Prince Andrew is giving up his titles.
Prince Andrew announced his extraordinary decision on Friday. EPA/AOP
Prince Andrew, 65, will give up all his royal titles, including the title of Duke of York.
– After talking with the king and my relatives, we have come to the conclusion that the constant accusations about me are interfering with the work of his majesty and the royal family. I have decided, as always, to put my duty to my family and my country first. I no longer use the titles and titles that have been granted to me, Andrew states in his statement.
– As I have said before, I strongly deny the accusations made against me.
BBC says that Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will also give up her title of Duchess of York. Their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are allowed to keep their titles.
According to the newspaper, the change will take effect immediately. It has also been confirmed that Prince Andrew will not be spending Christmas with the Royal Family at Sandringham. However, according to the BBC, he is expected to continue living in his Windsor home, Royal Lodge.
Prince Andrew is the third child of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip and the younger brother of King Charles. Andrew has been in the middle of scandals in recent years, when his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, a businessman convicted of several sexual crimes, were revealed.
With the uproar, Andrew was sidelined from his royal duties and forced to relinquish his military titles in 2022.
The story is updated.