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In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday, the King was heckled by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also questioned whether he had asked the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Despite the heckling, there were large groups of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an event.

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

"How long have you been aware about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the authorities to cover up for him?"

The King ignored the questions but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the publication, Ms Giuffre alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including one instance with 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 recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to fund his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.

The revelation 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 significant contributions up front, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's status or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.

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

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III