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He is relinquishing his designations, including the Duke of York, he has announced in a individual message.

He has been under increasing scrutiny over his associations with sex offender Epstein, with demands for the monarchy to take steps against him.

That now looks to have resulted in the royal deciding to voluntarily hand back his designations and to surrender involvement of the Garter Order.

In his announcement he said he continued to "firmly refute the claims against me".

"In talks with the sovereign, and my direct and wider family, we have concluded the continued allegations about me distract from the work of the King and the Royal Family," said a announcement from the royal.

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

"I uphold my resolution five years ago to step back from royal engagements.

"With the King's consent, we feel I must now go a further step. I will therefore no longer hold my designation or the honours which have been bestowed on me. As I have said before, I vigorously deny the accusations against me."

Prince Andrew has faced a series of scandals, among them a court case he resolved with the plaintiff, doubts about his finances and his connection with an accused foreign agent.

He will continue to be a member of royalty - but will cease to be the York's Duke, a designation granted from his mother, the Queen Elizabeth II.

Andrew had already ceased to be a "active member" and had forfeited the use of his HRH title and no longer participated at official royal events. His status now will be even more lessened.

His former spouse will be known as Ferguson and no longer Duchess of York, but their daughters will persist to have the title of royal princess.

He has been under strong attention over his links with convicted sex offender Epstein, more lately including inquiries about when he had actually ended contact.

In his BBC Newsnight interview, the royal had said that he had ended all connections with the financier after they had been photographed together in New York in late 2010.

But correspondence sent in early 2011 later emerged implying that Andrew had privately remained in communication with Epstein, including sending a communication: "Remain connected and we'll play some more soon!"

There had been increasing displeasure in the monarchy at the issues that continued to surround the figure.

In the coming days a late publication by Giuffre will be released which is expected to draw further attention on his connection with Ms Giuffre and Epstein.