Prince Andrew gives up his designation as York's Duke.
Prince Andrew is relinquishing his titles, including the the Duke, he has declared in a own words.
He has been under mounting scrutiny over his links with disgraced financier the financier, with requests for the Palace to take measures against him.
That now looks to have resulted in the figure deciding to of his own accord give up his titles and to surrender participation of the Order of the Garter.
In his statement he said he continued to "firmly deny the claims against me".
"In discussion with the sovereign, and my close and broader family, we have decided the continued allegations about me take away from the responsibilities of His Majesty and the monarchy," said a announcement from him.
"I have chosen, as I always have, to put my responsibility to my family and country first.
"I stand by my choice five years ago to step back from royal engagements.
"With the King's consent, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer employ my honor or the awards which have been conferred upon me. As I have said earlier, I strongly dispute the accusations against me."
He has faced a series of controversies, among them a legal case he ended with Virginia Giuffre, doubts about his finances and his association with an alleged foreign agent.
He will continue to be a member of royalty - but will cease to be the the Duke, a title bestowed from his parent, the late Queen Elizabeth.
He had already ceased to be a "working royal" and had lost the use of his His Royal Highness designation and no longer was seen at public engagements. His status now will be even more reduced.
His previous partner will be known as Sarah and no longer Duchess of York, but their children will continue to have the honor of royal princess.
The royal has faced intense attention over his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, more lately involving questions about when he had really ended communication.
In his BBC Newsnight interview, the royal had said that he had cut off all connections with the financier after they had been photographed together in New York in late 2010.
But messages sent in the following year later came to light implying that he had confidentially remained in touch with him, such as swapping a message: "Stay in contact and we'll play some more soon!"
There had been mounting frustration in the royal household at the issues that persisted to surround the prince.
In the coming days a book released after death by Virginia Giuffre will be issued which is expected to cast additional attention on the royal's involvement with Virginia Giuffre and Epstein.
