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Prince Andrew is relinquishing his titles, among them the York's Duke, he has stated in a individual message.

He has been under increasing scrutiny over his connections with disgraced financier Epstein, with demands for the royal household to take measures against him.

That now appears to have resulted in the royal deciding to of his own accord hand back his designations and to give up membership of the prestigious order.

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

"In discussion with the monarch, and my immediate and extended family, we have agreed the persistent accusations about me divert from the duties of the monarch 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 uphold my choice five years ago to step back from public life.

"With the monarch's consent, we think I must now go a further step. I will therefore no longer hold my designation or the distinctions which have been granted to me. As I have said earlier, I vigorously refute the accusations against me."

The royal has been involved in a number of scandals, among them a court case he resolved with an accuser, doubts about his finances and his association with an accused foreign agent.

He will stay a prince - but will cease to be the York's Duke, a honor received from his parent, the late Queen Elizabeth.

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

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

He has been under severe scrutiny over his associations with notorious figure Epstein, more in recent times including doubts about when he had truly severed ties.

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

But emails sent in February 2011 later emerged implying that Andrew had in private remained in communication with Epstein, such as sending a note: "Stay in contact and we'll play some more soon!"

There had been growing displeasure in the monarchy at the issues that remained to envelop the figure.

In the coming days a late publication by the accuser will be published which is likely to draw additional scrutiny on Prince Andrew's involvement with the plaintiff and Epstein.