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The royal is relinquishing his titles, including the the Duke, he has stated in a individual message.

He has been under mounting pressure over his associations with convicted criminal Epstein, with calls for the monarchy to take measures against him.

That now looks to have led to the royal deciding to of his own accord hand back his titles and to surrender participation of the Garter Order.

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

"In discussion with the monarch, and my direct and wider family, we have decided the continued claims about me divert from the work of the King and the royal household," said a message from him.

"I have opted, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and nation first.

"I support my resolution five years ago to step back from official duties.

"With His Majesty's consent, we believe I must now go a further step. I will therefore no longer hold my honor or the honours which have been bestowed on me. As I have said previously, I vigorously dispute the allegations against me."

The royal has been involved in a number of scandals, such as a court case he ended with the plaintiff, doubts about his economic affairs and his association with an suspected foreign agent.

He will stay a member of royalty - but will discontinue to be the York's Duke, a designation granted from his parent, the former monarch.

Andrew had already stopped to be a "active member" and had given up the use of his royal style and no longer was seen at state occasions. His role now will be even more reduced.

His ex-wife will be known as Sarah and no longer Duchess of York, but their daughters will continue to have the honor of royal princess.

He has faced severe examination over his links with convicted sex offender Epstein, more lately featuring questions about when he had actually ended communication.

In his television appearance, the royal had said that he had ended all links with Jeffrey Epstein after they had been seen together in New York in late 2010.

But correspondence sent in early 2011 later came to light implying that the prince had confidentially stayed in touch with the financier, for example sending a communication: "Remain connected and we'll have further interactions soon!"

There had been mounting annoyance in the royal household at the scandals that continued to envelop the figure.

Next week a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre will be issued which is likely to bring more attention on his involvement with Virginia Giuffre and Jeffrey Epstein.