Prince Andrew has tonight decided to forgo his royal titles and honours following the ongoing Epstein scandals. He will no longer join the Royal Family at Christmas and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will no longer use the Duchess of York title.
Andrew said the decision was taken “in discussion with the King and my immediate and wider family”. The Prince of Wales was closely involved in the discussions. The King’s younger brother said he continues to “vigorously deny the accusations against me”.
He will keep his princely title as that is his birthright as the son of a former monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
A statement released on Friday night, read: “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.”