Britain's Prince Andrew gives up title of Duke of York

His decision comes after years of criticism over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the Royal Family's Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene's church, as the Royals take residence at the Sandringham estate in eastern England, Britain Dec 25, 2022. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

Britain's Prince Andrew said on Friday he would give up using his title of Duke of York following years of criticism about his behaviour and connections to the late disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement, Andrew said "the continued accusations about me" distracted from the work of his elder brother King Charles and the wider work of the British royal family.

"I will therefore no longer use the title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me," Andrew said in a statement.

"As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me."