The fallout of Prince Andrew's association with Epstein

THE United Kingdom's Prince Andrew has announced that he will no longer use his title of Duke of York, a move that follows intense pressure from his brother, King Charles III, amid mounting revelations about Andrew's association with the disgraced American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU [e-mail]

US President Donald Trump. | AFP

(AFP)

The 65-year-old prince said in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace: "I will no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me." He added that the decision came after conversations with King Charles, and emphasised that his duty to his family and country remained paramount.

Though Andrew will retain the title of prince, as the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, he will relinquish the Duke of York title that had been granted to him by his mother. Reports in the UK media further suggest that he will also give up membership in the Order of the Garter, the most senior knighthood in the British honours system dating back to the 14th century. His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will no longer be known as the Duchess of York, although their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will maintain their royal status.