A Duke no more

BRITAIN'S Prince Andrew dramatically quit all his royal titles last night after showdown talks with his brother King Charles over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

- BY RUSSELL MYERS & ZAHRA KHALIQ

Andrew, 65, made the decision to drop the titles that he had clung to - including the Duke of York - after mounting pressure from Charles 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.