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In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was confronted by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The man demanded to know how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the police to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were throngs of supporters and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.

Prince Andrew's connections with Jeffrey Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for him?"

The monarch did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the venue was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

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

But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch