Prince Andrew has announced that he will relinquish his royal titles, including the Duke of York, amid renewed scrutiny over his connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement released on Friday, Andrew explained that discussions with King Charles III and his family led to this decision.

"The continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family," Andrew stated. He emphasized his commitment to his family and country, reiterating his choice to step back from public life five years ago.

With the King's agreement, Andrew will no longer use his title or the honors previously conferred upon him. However, he will still be referred to as a prince. The Duke of York title was given to him by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

This announcement comes as excerpts from a forthcoming posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre have surfaced. Giuffre has alleged that she was trafficked by Epstein and had sexual encounters with Andrew when she was 17 years old.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the story develops.