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In the course of a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was shouted at by a protester who asked him about his brother's connections with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The individual asked how long the monarch had been aware about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "conceal" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of well-wishers and applause for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.

Prince Andrew's connections with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

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

The monarch ignored the questions but continued meeting fans, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter 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 "be quiet".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

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

In the publication, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Lifestyle and Housing

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

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has heightened the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be summoned front of MPs to give testimony about his lease of his lodge.

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

The royal household has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move out of his current residence - or where he might go.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III