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In the course of a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a man who asked him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester demanded to know how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were large groups of well-wishers and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the authorities to conceal for him?"

The King did not respond but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard requesting him for a hug.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the memoir, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a out-of-court agreement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Housing

But recently, new inquiries 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 disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last Thursday, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

The royal household has not commented on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his current residence - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch