India, Oct. 18 -- Prince Andrew conveyed on Friday that he was giving up his royal titles, including that of the Duke of York, amid the ongoing scandal over his ties with child sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

"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," a statement from Prince Andrew read.

"With His Majesty's agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have sa...