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Prince Andrew is giving up his titles, including the York's Duke, he has stated in a personal statement.

He has been under increasing attention over his links with convicted criminal the financier, with demands for the Palace to take measures against him.

That now seems to have led to the prince deciding to willingly return his titles and to relinquish involvement of the Garter Order.

In his announcement he said he continued to "strongly refute the allegations against me".

"In consultation with the King, and my close and broader family, we have concluded the persistent accusations about me take away from the duties of His Majesty and the royal household," said a announcement from him.

"I have opted, as I always have, to put my obligation to my kin and nation first.

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

"With the monarch's consent, we believe I must now go a additional measure. I will therefore no longer employ my honor or the distinctions which have been bestowed on me. As I have said earlier, I vigorously deny the accusations against me."

He has encountered a series of controversies, among them a legal case he ended with the plaintiff, questions about his finances and his involvement with an accused intelligence operative.

He will continue to be a member of royalty - but will discontinue to be the Duke of York, a title received from his mother, the Queen Elizabeth II.

Andrew had already ended to be a "active member" and had lost the use of his His Royal Highness designation and no longer participated at public engagements. His status now will be even more reduced.

His previous partner will be known as Ferguson and no longer the Duchess, but their offspring will continue to have the designation of princess.

He has been under intense examination over his links with notorious figure Jeffrey Epstein, more lately including inquiries about when he had truly severed contact.

In his television appearance, Prince Andrew had said that he had severed all connections with Epstein after they had been seen together in the city in late 2010.

But messages sent in the following year later came to light indicating that he had confidentially remained in touch with Epstein, for example exchanging a message: "Remain connected and we'll have further interactions soon!"

There had been increasing annoyance in the royal household at the issues that persisted to envelop the prince.

Soon a book released after death by the accuser will be published which is expected to cast additional scrutiny on his connection with the plaintiff and Epstein.