🔗 Share this article

Prince Andrew will be stripped of his naval title as the monarch seeks to put an end to the continuing controversy involving his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors Underway

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor will be stripped of his military title of vice-admiral, which he received in 2015 and maintained even after giving up other military positions in 2022.

The defense minister stated on Sunday that government officials were collaborating with the king to strip his military titles.

"Usually, the government has been guided by the decisions and judgments the king has made. Regarding military matters, it's exactly the same," the defense secretary said.

Additional Consequences

Asked whether the former duke could lose his military medals as well, Healey responded that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and added: "I don't have an update on that, but similar to his vice-admiral rank, we would be directed by the judgments the king makes."

Historical Circumstances

Mountbatten Windsor 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 Andrew on multiple instances, including when she was a teenager.

Recently disclosed emails reveal that the former prince contacted Epstein in 2010 after the latter was released from jail on charges of soliciting prostitution.

Through email exchanges released on Friday, the convicted sex offender suggested that Mountbatten Windsor meet former JP Morgan executive Jes Staley, who was banned from the UK banking sector for life in June for misleading the watchdog about his connections to Epstein.

Naval Career

Andrew was a member of the navy for more than two decades, including as a aircraft commander during the Falklands war. After Giuffre filed three years ago, he stopped using most of his armed forces honors but kept the rank of naval commander.

The navy pension is his only current source of declared income after serving between 1979 and 2001, amounting to £20,000 a year.

Recent Developments

Buckingham Palace officially declared last week he would lose the titles of prince and Duke of York, as well as being made to leave his residence at Royal Lodge and relocate to private accommodation in Sandringham.

Royal staff had worked with government employees in the government department to prevent the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, eventually agreeing 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 anticipated to vacate Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be present when the family convenes at Sandringham for the festive season.