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In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was heckled by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The protester demanded to know how long the King had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the police to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were large groups of fans and applause for the monarch, who was visiting the region 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 titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for him?"

The monarch did not respond but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.

A female bystander outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "go away" and to "shut up".

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the publication, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the royal 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 consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned 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 debate the royal's titles or his home, despite growing pressure for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his home - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch