A protester shouted questions about Prince Andrew and epstein during the King’s Lichfield visit

King Charles was confronted by a protester during a public appearance in Staffordshire on Monday, as the man shouted questions about Prince Andrew’s relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and accused the monarch of helping to “cover up” for his brother.

The incident took place outside Lichfield Cathedral, where the King was meeting members of the public during an official visit. Video footage shared online showed the man calling out several questions as the monarch greeted well-wishers.

“How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?” the protester shouted. “Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?”

The King appeared to ignore the questions, continuing to shake hands and wave to the crowd. Nearby onlookers could be heard telling the man to “shut up”. The protester, believed to be affiliated with the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, concluded by asking: “Should MPs be allowed to debate the royals in the House of Commons?”

The group’s chief executive, Graham Smith, later confirmed the protester’s involvement, saying the confrontation reflected growing public frustration over the lack of scrutiny applied to the royal family.

“The royals need to be challenged,” Smith said. “If politicians won’t do the job and the police won’t investigate, then more and more members of the public will be asking the tough questions. We want to see broadcasters invite Charles into a studio and ask him the same questions.”

Buckingham Palace has not commented on the exchange, which comes amid renewed pressure on the monarchy to address the continuing fallout from Prince Andrew’s association with Epstein.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the Duke of York would no longer use his remaining titles and honours following fresh scrutiny of his ties to the disgraced financier, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The move came days before the posthumous publication of Memoirs of Survival, the book written by Andrew’s accuser, Virginia Giuffre, who died in April at the age of 41. In extracts published by The Guardian, Giuffre repeated her allegations that she was forced to have sex with the prince on three occasions — claims Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied.

The issue of Andrew’s continued royal privileges and public funding has become a source of political tension. Some MPs have called for a Commons debate on the subject, but the government has so far declined to allocate parliamentary time.

Public anger intensified earlier this month after reports emerged detailing the duke’s long-term residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, which he shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. Critics accused the couple of living rent-free in the 30-room mansion while taxpayers continued to fund its maintenance.

Following discussions with the King, the couple have reportedly agreed to vacate the property in exchange for two separate, smaller residences. According to The Sun, Andrew has requested Frogmore Cottage, formerly occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, while Ferguson may move into Adelaide Cottage once vacated by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The confrontation at Lichfield Cathedral is the latest in a string of incidents involving protesters at royal engagements. Activists from Republic have repeatedly targeted public walkabouts and state events, arguing that the monarchy should be subject to the same scrutiny as elected officials.

King Charles, who has generally ignored such outbursts during public appearances, has not commented publicly on Monday’s incident