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During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was shouted at by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for Andrew?"

The King did not respond but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over Prince Andrew'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 alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries About Finances and Housing

But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.

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

The political party said he should be called in before members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for scrutiny.

The royal household has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his home - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III