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In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a individual who questioned him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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

Amid the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch remained silent but carried on meeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been reignited by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund 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 heightened the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III