"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."
"In his BBC Newsnight interview, Prince Andrew had said that he had severed all links with Epstein after they had been photographed together in New York in December 2010. But emails sent in February 2011 later emerged suggesting that Andrew had privately stayed in touch with Epstein, including swapping a message: Keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!"
Prince Andrew gave up his royal titles, including the Duke of York and membership in the Order of the Garter, citing distraction caused by continued accusations. The decision followed consultation with the King and wider family and a commitment to prioritize duty to family and country. Andrew said he would no longer use his title or honours but stated that he still vigorously denies the accusations against him. He had previously stepped back from public life and ceased being a working royal. Questions remain about when he cut off contact with Jeffrey Epstein after emails suggested private communications in 2011.
Read at www.mediaite.com
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