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

He has been under mounting pressure over his associations with convicted criminal Jeffrey Epstein, with requests for the Palace to take steps against him.

That now looks to have caused the royal deciding to of his own accord return his designations and to give up involvement of the Garter Order.

In his statement he said he continued to "strongly deny the allegations against me".

"In talks with the monarch, and my direct and wider family, we have agreed the continued accusations about me divert from the duties of the King and the monarchy," said a message from the royal.

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

"I support my choice five years ago to stand back from royal engagements.

"With the King's approval, we think I must now go a additional measure. I will therefore no longer hold my designation or the distinctions which have been bestowed on me. As I have said before, I strongly refute the allegations against me."

He has faced a series of controversies, such as a legal case he settled with an accuser, doubts about his finances and his involvement with an accused Chinese spy.

He will continue to be a member of royalty - but will cease to be the Duke of York, a designation received from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.

Andrew had already ended to be a "working royal" and had given up the use of his HRH title and no longer appeared at official royal events. His role now will be even more reduced.

His ex-wife will be known as Sarah and no longer the Duchess, but their children will persist to have the title of princess.

He has encountered strong attention over his associations with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, more recently involving questions about when he had really ended ties.

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

But emails sent in the following year later came to light indicating that he had privately remained in contact with him, such as sending a communication: "Remain connected and we'll play some more soon!"

There had been mounting frustration in the monarchy at the controversies that remained to plague the prince.

In the coming days a late publication by the accuser will be issued which is likely to bring more scrutiny on Prince Andrew's involvement with the plaintiff and the financier.