Prince Andrew gives up titles - but family of his accuser urges King to go further

The family of Virginia Giuffre has said Prince Andrew's decision to give up his titles, including the Duke of York, is "vindication for our sister and survivors everywhere".

"This is not just a victory for her, but for every single survivor of the horrific crimes perpetrated by [Jeffrey] Epstein and his co-conspirators," they said in a statement. Andrew will no longer be known as the Duke of York, in a move which finally completes his banishment from royal life.

However, he will remain a prince, as the son of Queen Elizabeth II. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will also no longer use her title of The Duchess of York, it is understood.

In a statement, Prince Andrew 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.

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 will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. "As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me." Read more:Everything we know about Andrew losing titles Why is this happening now? The decision comes following increased pressure on Prince Andrew after continuing reports of his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, and his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy.

The posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, who died in April, is due to be released on Tuesday. She had accused Andrew of sexual assault, and sued him in August 2021.

The book will go on sale a week after an email emerged showing Andrew told Epstein "we are in this together.