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The former Duke of York will be stripped of his honorary military rank while the monarch seeks to conclude the ongoing scandal regarding his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Removal Process In Progress

The former prince faces removal of his military title of vice-admiral, which he obtained in 2015 and kept even after giving up other armed forces roles in 2022.

Defence Secretary John Healey stated on Sunday that government officials were collaborating with the king to remove his naval honours.

"Typically, the government has been guided by the decisions and judgments the king has made. Regarding military matters, it's exactly the same," Healey stated.

Further Repercussions

Asked whether the former duke could lose his military medals as well, the minister answered that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and continued: "There's no current information on that, but just as with his vice-admiral rank, we would be directed by the judgments the king makes."

Background Context

Mountbatten Windsor has been under renewed scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein following the publication of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was forced to have sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances, including when she was 17 years old.

Recently disclosed emails show that the former prince contacted Epstein in 2010 after the financier got out from jail on allegations involving sex trafficking.

Through email exchanges made public recently, 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 deceiving regulators about his relationship with Epstein.

Naval Career

Andrew served in the navy for more than two decades, including as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands war. After a civil case was initiated three years ago, he stopped using most of his military titles but retained the rank of vice-admiral.

His military retirement pay is his only current source of declared income after serving between 1979 and 2001, amounting to £20,000 a year.

Latest Changes

Royal officials officially declared last week he would lose the titles of prince and Duke of York, as well as being made to leave his home in Windsor and move into private accommodation in Sandringham.

Royal staff had collaborated with civil servants in the Cabinet Office to avoid the decision having to be taken by parliament, finally deciding that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his monarchical authority.

While the removal of honors comes into effect right away, the ex-royal is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be present when the royals gather at Sandringham for the holiday.