The former Duke of York loses his naval title while King Charles seeks to conclude the continuing controversy surrounding his connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor faces removal of his honorary rank of naval commander, which he obtained in 2015 and had retained even after giving up other military positions in 2022.
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on Sunday that ministers were working with the king to strip his military titles.
"In general, the administration follows the rulings and determinations the king has made. In defence, it's precisely identical," the defense secretary said.
Asked whether Mountbatten Windsor could forfeit his service awards as well, Healey responded that they were "medals for his service" and added: "There's no current information on that, but just as with his naval title, we would be directed by the judgments the king makes."
The former royal has been facing fresh examination over his ties to Epstein following the release of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who states she was forced to have sex with Andrew on multiple instances, including when she was 17 years old.
Recently disclosed emails reveal that the former prince contacted Epstein in 2010 after the latter was released from jail on charges of sex trafficking.
Through email exchanges made public recently, the disgraced financier proposed that Mountbatten Windsor meet former JP Morgan executive Jes Staley, who was prohibited from the UK banking sector for life in June for deceiving regulators about his relationship with Epstein.
The former duke served in the navy for over 20 years, including as a helicopter pilot 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.
His military retirement pay is his sole existing means of declared income after serving between 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling £20,000 a year.
Royal officials formally announced last week he would be stripped of the honors of royal titles, as well as being required to vacate his residence at Royal Lodge and move into personal housing in Sandringham.
Palace officials had worked with civil servants in the Cabinet Office 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 loss of his titles takes effect immediately, the former prince 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.
A certified yoga instructor and wellness coach passionate about holistic health and mindfulness.
News