Prince Andrew relinquishing royal titles amid ongoing questions about connection with Jeffrey Epstein

Prince Andrew is giving up use of his royal titles.

This decision was made after discussions with King Charles and the wider Royal Family, reports the BBC. He will remain a prince by birthright as the son of Queen Elizabeth II, however he will cease to be known as the Duke of York.

Town and Country magazine reported on a statement Andrew issued this afternoon.

“In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.

“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me,” the full statement reads.

It was agreed among the family, says Sky News , that the ongoing accusations against him are distracting from the work of the King and the Royal Family.

He continues to face fresh questions over his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reports NBC .

The relinquishing of his titles is a further step following from Andrew’s withdrawal from public life five years ago as well as the relinquishment of his military roles and patronages. All of this was related to his legal issues connected to the Epstein scandal.

His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will no longer use her title as Duchess of York. Their  daughters   will continue to have the title of princess .

Official removal of the titles would require an act of parliament , but for now he has ceased using them publicly.

• Prince Andrew’s 'irrecoverable' reputation, need for cash led to ties with accused Chinese spy: documents
• 'He's on his own': King Charles ousts Prince Andrew from Buckingham Palace

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