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During a visit to a cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, King Charles was confronted by a protester who questioned him about Prince Andrew's links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The individual inquired how long the King had been known about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had instructed the police to "hide" for Andrew.

Amid the protest, there were crowds of supporters and applause for the monarch, who was visiting Staffordshire for an engagement.

The Duke of York's associations with Epstein have been under close examination in the past few weeks. The royal, who relinquished his titles earlier this month, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"For how long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"

The monarch ignored the questions but carried on greeting supporters, some of whom chanted "God Save The King". One fan can be overheard asking him for a hug.

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

Scandal Revived by Memoir

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

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions, including once with Jeffrey Epstein and "several other minors"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a previous interview, he told BBC Newsnight he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre "at all", and that they "never had any sort of sexual contact."

Fresh Questions Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been asked about how he is able to fund his way of life despite not being a active member of the royal family.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the scrutiny over his living arrangements - even though he made significant contributions initially, including for improvements.

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

But last week, the government refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his residence, despite growing pressure for investigation.

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

Related Topics

• Prince Andrew
• UK Royal Family
• King Charles III