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During a public appearance to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was heckled by a individual who questioned him about Prince Andrew's relationship with disgraced financier Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the authorities to "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were crowds of supporters and cheers for the monarch, who was in Staffordshire for an engagement.

Prince Andrew's associations with Jeffrey Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

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

The King remained silent but continued greeting fans, some of whom shouted "Long live the King". One supporter can be heard asking him for a hug.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also observed telling the heckler to "leave" and to "shut up".

Scandal Reignited by Posthumous Publication

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

In the publication, the accuser claims she had sex with the royal on three separate occasions, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has consistently denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told a news program he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "ever", and that they "did not have any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions Over Lifestyle and Living Arrangements

But in recent times, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his way of life 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 scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be summoned before members of parliament to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last week, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to discuss the prince's titles or his home, despite increasing calls for investigation.

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

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• The Monarch