The royal figure relinquishes his honor as York's Duke.

Prince Andrew is giving up his honors, among them the York's Duke, he has stated in a own words.

He has been under growing scrutiny over his associations with sex offender the financier, with demands for the royal household to take measures against him.

That now appears to have caused the figure deciding to willingly return his designations and to relinquish membership of the Order of the Garter.

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

"In consultation with the sovereign, and my close and extended family, we have decided the ongoing allegations about me divert from the work of His Majesty and the royal household," said a statement from him.

"I have opted, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and nation first.

"I support my choice five years ago to step back from official duties.

"With His Majesty's consent, we feel I must now go a further step. I will therefore no longer use my designation or the distinctions which have been conferred upon me. As I have said before, I strongly refute the claims against me."

The royal has encountered a range of controversies, such as a court case he settled with an accuser, inquiries about his economic affairs and his connection with an accused intelligence operative.

He will stay a member of royalty - but will cease to be the the Duke, a title bestowed from his the late Queen, the Queen Elizabeth II.

Andrew had already stopped to be a "active member" and had lost the use of his HRH title and no longer was seen at state occasions. His status now will be even more reduced.

His former spouse will be known as Sarah Ferguson and no longer York's Duchess, but their children will continue to have the designation of princess.

The royal has encountered strong examination over his connections with convicted sex offender Epstein, more lately featuring inquiries about when he had really ended contact.

In his BBC Newsnight interview, he had said that he had severed all links with Epstein after they had been photographed together in the city in the end of 2010.

But messages sent in early 2011 later came to light implying that Andrew had confidentially remained in contact with the financier, such as swapping a message: "Keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!"

There had been increasing annoyance in the royal household at the issues that continued to envelop the prince.

Next week a book released after death by Giuffre will be published which is anticipated to cast additional focus on Prince Andrew's involvement with Virginia Giuffre and the financier.