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During a engagement to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a man who asked him about Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.

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

Amid the protest, there were large groups of supporters and cheers for the King, who was in the region for an engagement.

The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under close examination in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has categorically denied any misconduct.

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

The King did not respond but carried on meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One fan can be heard asking him for a hug.

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

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited by sexual abuse allegations detailed in Virginia Giuffre's recently released memoir.

In the publication, the accuser says she had sexual encounters with the royal on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Prince Andrew, who reached a out-of-court agreement with the plaintiff in 2022, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. In a previous interview, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "at all", 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 asked about how he is able to finance his way of life despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a nominal fee on his Windsor mansion has heightened the scrutiny over his housing situation - even though he made significant contributions up front, including for improvements.

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

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

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might move out of his current residence - or where he might reside.

Related Topics

• The Duke of York
• British Monarchy
• King Charles III