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Prince Andrew is giving up his titles, such as the the Duke, he has declared in a individual message.

He has been under growing pressure over his connections with disgraced financier Epstein, with calls for the royal household to take steps against him.

That now looks to have resulted in the prince deciding to of his own accord hand back his titles and to surrender membership of the Order of the Garter.

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

"In consultation with the sovereign, and my direct and broader family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me divert from the responsibilities of the King and the Royal Family," said a message from him.

"I have chosen, as I always have, to put my duty to my relatives and nation first.

"I support my choice five years ago to withdraw from public life.

"With the monarch's agreement, we think I must now go a additional measure. I will therefore no longer use my title or the distinctions which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously refute the claims against me."

He has encountered a number of controversies, such as a legal case he ended with the plaintiff, questions about his finances and his association with an accused intelligence operative.

He will remain a member of royalty - but will discontinue to be the York's Duke, a designation received from his parent, the late Queen Elizabeth.

He had already ended to be a "active member" and had given up the use of his royal style and no longer appeared at official royal events. His position now will be even more reduced.

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

The royal has faced strong attention over his connections with disgraced financier Epstein, more lately including inquiries about when he had truly cut off contact.

In his television appearance, Prince Andrew had said that he had ended all ties with Epstein after they had been seen together in NYC in late 2010.

But messages sent in early 2011 later came to light implying that he had confidentially stayed in contact with Epstein, including swapping a note: "Keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!"

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

Next week a late publication by Giuffre will be issued which is anticipated to draw additional focus on Prince Andrew's association with Ms Giuffre and the financier.