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In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about his brother's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of supporters and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for him?"

The King ignored the questions but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.

A female bystander outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Housing

But recently, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before MPs to give evidence about his lease of his residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch