🔗 Share this article

The former Duke of York will be stripped of his honorary military rank while the monarch attempts to conclude the continuing controversy involving his brother's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Removal Process In Progress

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is losing his military title of naval commander, which he obtained in 2015 and maintained even after relinquishing other military positions in 2022.

Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on Sunday that ministers were working with the king to remove his naval honours.

"Typically, the administration follows the rulings and determinations the king has made. In defence, it's exactly the same," the defense secretary said.

Further Repercussions

When questioned about the former duke could lose his military medals as well, the minister answered that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and continued: "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."

Historical Circumstances

The former royal has been facing fresh examination over his ties to Epstein following the publication of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who alleges she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, including when she was 17 years old.

Recently disclosed emails show that the ex-royal wrote to Epstein in 2010 after the financier got out from jail on allegations involving soliciting prostitution.

Through email exchanges made public recently, the convicted sex offender suggested that Andrew meet former JP Morgan executive Jes Staley, who was prohibited from the UK banking sector for life in June for misleading the watchdog about his relationship with Epstein.

Naval Career

The former duke was a member of the navy for more than two decades, including as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 conflict. After a civil case was initiated three years ago, he ceased utilizing most of his military titles but kept the rank of vice-admiral.

His military retirement pay is his sole existing means of declared income after serving between 1979 and 2001, amounting to twenty thousand pounds annually.

Latest Changes

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

Palace officials had worked with government employees in the Cabinet Office to prevent the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, finally deciding that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his monarchical authority.

While the loss of his titles takes effect right away, the former prince is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until following the holidays, meaning he will not be present when the family convenes at Sandringham for the holiday.