The royal figure relinquishes his honor as the Duke.
The royal is relinquishing his honors, including the the Duke, he has announced in a own words.
He has been under increasing attention over his connections with sex offender Epstein, with calls for the royal household to take steps against him.
That now looks to have resulted in the prince deciding to of his own accord return his honors and to relinquish membership of the Garter Order.
In his statement he said he continued to "firmly refute the accusations against me".
"In discussion with the sovereign, and my immediate and extended family, we have agreed the ongoing accusations about me divert from the duties of the King and the royal household," said a message from Prince Andrew.
"I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and nation first.
"I stand by my decision five years ago to withdraw from public life.
"With His Majesty's consent, we believe I must now go a additional measure. I will therefore no longer employ my honor or the distinctions which have been bestowed on me. As I have said earlier, I firmly dispute the claims against me."
The royal has been involved in a number of controversies, such as a legal case he settled with an accuser, doubts about his economic affairs and his connection with an alleged intelligence operative.
He will remain a member of royalty - but will stop to be the Duke of York, a designation bestowed from his mother, the former monarch.
He had already ceased to be a "participating figure" and had given up the use of his HRH title and no longer appeared at public engagements. His role now will be even more diminished.
His previous partner will be known as Sarah Ferguson and no longer Duchess of York, but their offspring will carry on to have the title of princess.
The royal has been under severe examination over his links with notorious figure Epstein, more in recent times including inquiries about when he had really severed ties.
In his BBC Newsnight interview, Prince Andrew had said that he had severed all ties with Epstein after they had been seen together in NYC in late 2010.
But emails sent in February 2011 later came to light implying that the prince had confidentially continued in contact with him, including swapping a communication: "Keep in close touch and we'll have further interactions soon!"
There had been mounting annoyance in the monarchy at the issues that remained to envelop the prince.
In the coming days a late publication by the accuser will be issued which is expected to bring additional attention on his involvement with Virginia Giuffre and Epstein.
