The royal figure surrenders his designation as the Duke.

The royal is giving up his titles, including the York's Duke, he has declared in a personal statement.

He has been under growing pressure over his connections with disgraced financier the financier, with demands for the monarchy to take steps against him.

That now looks to have caused the prince deciding to of his own accord return his honors and to surrender involvement of the prestigious order.

In his message he said he continued to "strongly refute the accusations against me".

"In talks with the King, and my close and extended family, we have agreed the continued allegations about me distract from the duties of the monarch and the monarchy," said a message from the royal.

"I have chosen, as I always have, to put my obligation to my kin and land first.

"I support my decision five years ago to withdraw from official duties.

"With His Majesty's consent, we think I must now go a additional measure. I will therefore no longer use my title or the awards which have been granted to me. As I have said earlier, I strongly refute the allegations against me."

The royal has been involved in a number of scandals, among them a court case he settled with the plaintiff, questions about his economic affairs and his involvement with an accused intelligence operative.

He will remain a member of royalty - but will cease to be the Duke of York, a title received from his parent, the former monarch.

Andrew had already ceased to be a "active member" and had forfeited the use of his His Royal Highness designation and no longer appeared at public engagements. His position now will be even more lessened.

His previous partner will be known as Sarah Ferguson and no longer York's Duchess, but their offspring will continue to have the title of princesses.

Prince Andrew has faced intense scrutiny over his links with convicted sex offender the financier, more lately including inquiries about when he had really ended contact.

In his television appearance, he had said that he had severed all connections with Epstein after they had been photographed together in NYC in late 2010.

But correspondence sent in early 2011 later surfaced indicating that he had confidentially continued in touch with him, for example swapping a note: "Keep in close touch and we'll have further interactions soon!"

There had been growing displeasure in the royal household at the issues that persisted to surround the royal.

Next week a late publication by Virginia Giuffre will be issued which is likely to draw further attention on Prince Andrew's involvement with Virginia Giuffre and Epstein.