Prince Andrew gives up his title as York's Duke.
The royal is giving up his titles, including the York's Duke, he has announced in a own words.
He has been under mounting pressure over his links with convicted criminal Jeffrey Epstein, with demands for the monarchy to take steps against him.
That now appears to have led to the figure deciding to willingly hand back his designations and to surrender membership of the prestigious order.
In his announcement he said he continued to "vigorously dispute the claims against me".
"In discussion with the King, and my direct and wider family, we have agreed the persistent accusations about me divert from the work of His Majesty and the monarchy," said a message from him.
"I have decided, as I always have, to put my obligation to my kin and country first.
"I support my resolution five years ago to stand back from public life.
"With the King's consent, we feel I must now go a additional measure. I will therefore no longer employ my title or the honours which have been bestowed on me. As I have said earlier, I vigorously dispute the accusations against me."
He has faced a series of controversies, among them a legal case he ended with the plaintiff, doubts about his economic affairs and his connection with an suspected Chinese spy.
He will stay a royal - but will cease to be the Duke of York, a title received from his the late Queen, the late Queen Elizabeth.
Andrew had already ended to be a "working royal" and had forfeited the use of his HRH title and no longer was seen at official royal events. His role now will be even more reduced.
His former spouse will be known as Sarah and no longer the Duchess, but their children will continue to have the designation of princess.
He has been under severe attention over his associations with disgraced financier the financier, more lately involving doubts about when he had really cut off ties.
In his media discussion, the royal had said that he had severed all ties with Epstein after they had been seen together in the city in the end of 2010.
But messages sent in early 2011 later surfaced suggesting that the prince had confidentially stayed in contact with Epstein, for example exchanging a communication: "Keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!"
There had been mounting displeasure in Buckingham Palace at the controversies that persisted to surround the figure.
In the coming days a late publication by Virginia Giuffre will be issued which is anticipated to bring additional focus on Prince Andrew's involvement with the plaintiff and Epstein.
