Duke no more

Andrew ditches titles after summit with Charles & Wills

- BY RUSSELL MYERS Royal Editor and ZAHRA KHALIQ

PRINCE Andrew dramatically quit all his royal titles last night after showdown talks with the King concerning his shameful relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew, 65, made the decision to drop the titles that he had clung to - including the Duke of York - after mounting pressure from his brother and Prince William.

It came after he was exposed for lying about cutting off contact with the late convicted paedophile.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, he said: "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.

"I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first."

The titles will be dropped immediately, including his highly prized Order of the Garter - Britain's most senior order of chivalry.

The King was last night said to be pleased by Andrew's decision.

Prince William was among other senior royals involved in the top-level talks to banish Andrew from royal life.