🔗 Share this article

Prince Andrew will be stripped of his honorary military rank as King Charles seeks to draw a line under the ongoing scandal involving his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Removal Process Underway

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor faces removal of his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he obtained in 2015 and maintained even after giving up other armed forces roles in 2022.

The defense minister confirmed on Sunday that ministers were working with the king to remove his naval honours.

"Usually, the administration follows the rulings and determinations the king has made. Regarding military matters, it's precisely identical," Healey stated.

Further Repercussions

Asked whether the former duke could lose his military medals as well, the minister answered that they were "medals for his service" and added: "I don't have an update on that, but similar to his vice-admiral rank, we would be directed by the decisions the king makes."

Background Context

The former royal has been facing fresh examination over his ties to Epstein following the release of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who alleges she was compelled into sexual encounters with Mountbatten Windsor on three occasions, including when she was 17 years old.

Recently disclosed emails demonstrate that the ex-royal contacted Epstein in 2010 after the financier got out from jail on allegations involving sex trafficking.

In the correspondence released on Friday, the disgraced financier suggested that Mountbatten Windsor meet former JP Morgan executive Jes Staley, who was banned from the UK banking sector for life in June for deceiving regulators about his relationship with Epstein.

Military Service

The former duke served in the navy for over 20 years, including as a aircraft commander during the Falklands war. After Giuffre filed three years ago, he stopped using most of his military titles but retained the rank of naval commander.

The navy pension is his sole existing means of official earnings after his service from 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling £20,000 a year.

Recent Developments

Buckingham Palace formally announced last week he would lose the titles of royal titles, as well as being required to vacate his residence at Royal Lodge and relocate to personal housing in Sandringham.

Royal staff had collaborated with government employees in the government department to avoid the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, finally deciding that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his monarchical authority.

Although the removal of honors takes effect right away, the former prince is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until following the holidays, meaning he will not be in attendance when the family convenes at Sandringham for the holiday.