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In the course of a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a individual who asked him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

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

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of fans and applause for the King, who was in the region for an ceremony.

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

"How long have you been aware about Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for him?"

The monarch did not respond but carried on meeting supporters, some of whom shouted "God Save The King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the venue was also heard telling the protester to "leave" and to "be quiet".

Scandal Revived by Memoir

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Epstein has been brought back into focus by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the publication, the accuser alleges she had sexual encounters with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing

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

The revelation that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

The Liberal Democrats said he should be called in before members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last week, the authorities refused to give parliamentarians time to discuss the royal's titles or his residence, despite increasing calls for investigation.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might relocate of his home - or where he might go.

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III