Britain’s Prince Andrew announced on Friday that he will no longer use his title of Duke of York or other honors, citing persistent accusations that distract from the work of King Charles and the royal family.
The decision follows years of controversy surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein and other allegations.
Andrew, 65, has faced intense scrutiny over his ties to Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
In 2022, Andrew settled a lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, who alleged he sexually abused her as a teenager in 2001.
Giuffre, who died by suicide in April, detailed these claims in a posthumous memoir recently excerpted.
Andrew has consistently denied the allegations.
His friendship with Epstein, which ended in 2011, and a widely criticized 2019 BBC interview further damaged his reputation.
Additionally, recent revelations about Andrew’s business associate, Yang Tengbo, alleged to be a Chinese spy, intensified public and governmental concern.
Yang, who represented Andrew in business dealings, has denied wrongdoing.
“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,” Andrew said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.
The prince, once a decorated naval officer who served in the Falklands War, stepped back from public duties in 2019.
He was stripped of military titles and charity roles in 2022 amid the Giuffre lawsuit.
Friday’s announcement marks a further retreat from royal life.
Andrew reiterated, “I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
The decision reflects an effort to shield the monarchy from ongoing controversies as King Charles seeks to maintain focus on royal duties.