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Prince Andrew is giving up his designations, including the York's Duke, he has announced in a individual message.

He has been under growing attention over his links with convicted criminal the financier, with calls for the royal household to take action against him.

That now appears to have caused the royal deciding to voluntarily give up his titles and to surrender involvement of the Order of the Garter.

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

"In discussion with the sovereign, and my immediate and extended family, we have agreed the continued allegations about me take away from the duties of the monarch and the monarchy," said a announcement from him.

"I have chosen, as I always have, to put my obligation to my kin and land first.

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

"With His Majesty's approval, we believe I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer hold my designation or the distinctions which have been granted to me. As I have said previously, I strongly deny the claims against me."

The royal has faced a range of controversies, including a legal case he settled with the plaintiff, questions about his finances and his connection with an accused intelligence operative.

He will continue to be a member of royalty - but will stop to be the York's Duke, a title received from his mother, the former monarch.

The prince had already ceased to be a "active member" and had forfeited the use of his royal style and no longer was seen at public engagements. His role now will be even more lessened.

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

He has been under strong scrutiny over his associations with notorious figure Epstein, more recently featuring inquiries about when he had truly severed ties.

In his media discussion, he had said that he had ended all ties with the financier after they had been photographed together in New York in the end of 2010.

But correspondence sent in February 2011 later came to light implying that the prince had privately stayed in touch with him, including exchanging a communication: "Remain connected and we'll play some more soon!"

There had been mounting annoyance in the monarchy at the issues that persisted to plague the figure.

Soon a book released after death by Virginia Giuffre will be published which is anticipated to bring additional attention on Prince Andrew's association with Virginia Giuffre and the financier.