Prince Andrew has announced he will relinquish his royal title of Duke of York and other honors amid ongoing scrutiny related to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision follows discussions with his brother, King Charles III, and comes as Andrew's reputation has faced significant challenges in recent years.

In a statement, Andrew, 65, said, "The continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family. I will therefore no longer use the title or the honors which have been conferred upon me." He reiterated his denial of the allegations against him.

Andrew's ties to Epstein have been a source of controversy. In 2022, he settled a lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager. Andrew has consistently denied her claims. Giuffre, who died by suicide in April, alleged in her upcoming memoir that she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with Andrew.

Recent revelations have intensified scrutiny on Andrew. An email surfaced in which he reportedly told Epstein, "We are in this together," just days after a photograph of him with Giuffre became public. This email contradicts Andrew's previous statements, including a 2019 interview where he claimed to have severed ties with Epstein.

As part of his decision to step back, Andrew will also give up other titles, including Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. He will retain his status as a prince but will no longer be referred to as His Royal Highness. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will also lose her title as Duchess of York.

Andrew's public life has been marred by his association with Epstein and other controversies. In 2019, he stepped down from royal duties following a widely criticized BBC interview where he failed to express empathy for Epstein's victims. A recent poll indicated that a majority of Britons support stripping Andrew of his remaining royal titles.

Despite these changes, Andrew will continue to reside at Royal Lodge, a property on the Windsor estate, and will not attend royal Christmas gatherings at Sandringham. The royal family is reportedly considering further actions regarding Andrew's future within the monarchy, as discussions continue among palace aides and King Charles.