BREAKING: Prince Andrew gives up all of his royal titles

Prince Andrew has given up the use of all his royal titles as the scandal surrounding his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein continues to grow.

In a statement shared moments ago by Buckingham Palace, Andrew said: “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.”

This means that Andrew will no longer use the title of Duke of York, and he has lost his membership in the Order of the Garter and the Royal Victorian Order. He earlier lost his use of the style of His Royal Highness when he stepped back from royal duties five years ago.

Andrew’s ex-wife has been entitled to the style of Duchess of York after her name, though Buckingham Palace has said she will know be known as Sarah Ferguson. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are unaffected by this change, as their styles of princess were birthrights. Likewise, Andrew will remain a prince due to the letters patent of 1917.

King Charles is said to be glad of the outcome of his younger brother’s decision, and Prince William was also consulted, along with other members of the Royal Family, before the news was released.