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During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The man asked how long the King had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the authorities to "hide" for Prince Andrew.

Despite the protest, there were large groups of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under renewed focus in recent weeks. The royal, who relinquished his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you known about Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein? Did you request the police to cover up for him?"

The King did not respond but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One supporter can be overheard asking him for a hug.

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

Scandal Revived by Posthumous Publication

The scandal over the Duke of York's links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by misconduct claims detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released book.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the royal on multiple times, including once with Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries About Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

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 disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

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

But last week, the authorities declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the prince's titles or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.

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

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III