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During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, King Charles was confronted by a protester who asked him about Prince Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Epstein.

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

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

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The prince, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

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

The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a embrace.

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

Scandal Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Epstein has been brought back into focus by misconduct claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's posthumously-published book.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the royal on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Housing

But in recent times, fresh questions have been asked about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The revelation that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for renovations.

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

But last Thursday, the government declined to give MPs time to discuss the prince's status or his home, despite growing pressure 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 go.

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch