Britain’s Prince Andrew said on Friday he would stop using his title as Duke of York, marking the latest retreat from public life for the scandal-hit royal dogged by years of criticism over his conduct and links to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement, the 65-year-old prince said he made the decision to “put duty to family and country first,” acknowledging that the “continued accusations” surrounding him have become a distraction to his brother, King Charles, and the royal family.

“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further,” Andrew said. “I will therefore no longer use the title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

Once celebrated as a dashing naval officer

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