It is extraordinary that it has come to this but the distraction had to stop.

The statement comes straight from Prince Andrew , the tone of it very personal as he says he is putting his "duty to my family and country first".

But this was clearly not entirely his decision.

From the first sentence, where he says "in discussion with the King", we're left in no doubt that his brother must have said enough was enough.

Royals latest: Andrew explains decision to give up titles

The fact we're being guided that the King is glad of this outcome says it all; for the monarch and the wider family, the questions of what they were going to do about Andrew had to stop.

After years of upset caused by his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, he has done the family one favour b

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