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In the course of a visit to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a individual who questioned him about his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The protester asked how long the monarch had been known about his brother's relationship with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were throngs of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was visiting the region for an engagement.

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The prince, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

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

The monarch ignored the questions but continued meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the heckler to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The scandal over Prince Andrew's connections to Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Housing

But in recent times, 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 Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in before MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

But last week, the government refused to give MPs time to discuss the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

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

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III