India, Oct. 18 -- Prince Andrew has given up his royal titles, including the Duke of York - which was given to him by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth. A statement from the Royal Family member came on Friday, amid the ongoing scandal over his association with child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The statement from the embattled prince read: "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. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life."

"With His Majesty's agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I...