🔗 Share this article The royal figure surrenders his honor as the Duke. He has faced increasing scrutiny over his links with the financier. The royal is relinquishing his titles, such as the Duke of York, he has stated in a individual message. He has been under mounting attention over his connections with disgraced financier Epstein, with demands for the Palace to take steps against him. That now seems to have caused the royal deciding to of his own accord give up his designations and to surrender participation of the Order of the Garter. In his message he said he continued to "vigorously deny the allegations against me". "In talks with the King, and my direct and extended family, we have concluded the continued allegations about me distract from the duties of the King and the monarchy," said a statement from the royal. "I have decided, as I always have, to put my obligation to my family and nation first. "I uphold my decision five years ago to stand back from official duties. "With the King's agreement, we think I must now go a further step. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been granted to me. As I have said earlier, I firmly deny the accusations against me." Prince Andrew has been involved in a number of controversies, among them a lawsuit he resolved with an accuser, questions about his economic affairs and his connection with an alleged Chinese spy. He will continue to be a royal - but will discontinue to be the the Duke, a title granted from his parent, the late Queen Elizabeth. The prince had already ceased to be a "active member" and had given up the use of his His Royal Highness designation and no longer participated at state occasions. His position now will be even more lessened. His former spouse will be known as Sarah and no longer York's Duchess, but their children will persist to have the designation of princess. Prince Andrew has faced strong examination over his connections with convicted sex offender Epstein, more in recent times featuring inquiries about when he had actually cut off ties. In his media discussion, Prince Andrew had said that he had ended all ties with Jeffrey Epstein after they had been photographed together in NYC in the end of 2010. But emails sent in February 2011 later surfaced suggesting that the prince had confidentially stayed in touch with Epstein, such as sending a communication: "Keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!" There had been growing frustration in Buckingham Palace at the controversies that continued to surround the prince. Soon a book released after death by Virginia Giuffre will be released which is expected to bring further focus on the royal's association with the plaintiff and Jeffrey Epstein.