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During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a protester who asked him about his brother's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.

The man demanded to know how long the monarch had been known about his sibling's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also questioned whether he had instructed the police to "cover up" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were crowds of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was in Staffordshire for an ceremony.

The Duke of York's connections with Epstein have been under renewed focus in the past few weeks. The royal, who gave up his royal duties earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any misconduct.

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

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

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Controversy Revived by Posthumous Publication

The controversy over Prince Andrew's links to Epstein has been revived by sexual abuse claims repeated in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

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

Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In 2019, he told BBC Newsnight he did not remember meeting her "at all", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

Fresh Questions About Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, fresh questions have been raised about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Windsor mansion has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments up front, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in before MPs to give testimony about his rental agreement of his lodge.

But last Thursday, the government declined to give parliamentarians time to debate the royal's status or his residence, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

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

Associated Issues

• The Duke of York
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III