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<\/a> If there\u2019s any silver lining to the grim and sordid headlines that the \u2018Andrew Problem\u2019 has generated over recent years, at least the late Queen Elizabeth was not around to witness the final downfall of her beloved House of York and her rumoured \u2018favourite son\u2019 – finally cut loose by King Charles and his nephew, William last Friday. <\/p>\n After a week dominated by even more jaw-dropping <\/span>revelations <\/a>about his friendship with the convicted sex offender, the late Jeffrey Epstein, questions about his finances and his dealings with an alleged Chinese spy, all overshadowing the Royal Family\u2019s good work, the final trigger was pulled and a Buckingham Palace <\/span>statement <\/a>issued. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIn 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.<\/p>\n With His Majesty\u2019s 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.\u201d <\/p>\n From immediate effect, Andrew will no longer be known as the Duke of York and is stepping down from membership of the Order of the Garter \u2013 the country\u2019s most ancient order of chivalry. (Read what it\u2019s like to attend Garter Day, <\/span>here<\/a>.) He also relinquishes his position as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order. However, he will remain a prince, having been born the son of Queen Elizabeth. <\/span><\/p>\n It was as The Guardian\u2019s Stephen Bates said: \u201cShorn of title, status and dignity\u2026in the end it was the Windsors\u2019 genteel version of the revolver in the locked room with a bottle of whisky.\u201d <\/p>\n