The former Duke of York is set to lose his naval title, according to the defence secretary, as King Charles aims to move past the controversy surrounding his brother’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
John Healey confirmed on Sunday that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor will be stripped of his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he received in 2015 and kept even after relinquishing other military roles in 2022.
Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Healey stated that the government is collaborating with the king to revoke Mountbatten Windsor’s naval honors. This follows last week’s decision to remove his royal title as prince and evict him from Royal Lodge.
Healey explained, “Generally, the government follows the king’s decisions and judgments. The same applies in defence matters. We’ve seen Andrew give up his honorary military positions, and again guided by the king, we’re now working to remove his remaining vice-admiral title.”
When asked if Mountbatten Windsor might also lose his military medals, Healey noted they were awarded for his service and said, “I don’t have an update on that, but as with his vice-admiral rank, we would follow the king’s lead.”
Mountbatten Windsor’s connection to Epstein has faced renewed attention following the release of posthumous memoirs by Virginia Giuffre. She alleges she was forced to have sex with him three times, including when she was 17 and during an orgy after being trafficked by Epstein. Mountbatten Windsor denies these claims.
This weekend, it was revealed that Mountbatten Windsor wrote to Epstein in 2010 after Epstein’s release from prison on charges of soliciting prostitution. Newly released emails show the former prince telling Epstein he hoped to visit New York soon to “catch up in person.”
Epstein had been jailed in July 2009 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. In April 2010 emails, Epstein suggested Mountbatten Windsor meet Jes Staley, a former JP Morgan executive later banned from UK banking for misleading regulators about his ties to Epstein. Mountbatten Windsor replied he would arrange to meet Staley on another trip.
Later that year, in December, the two were photographed together in New York’s Central Park, which Mountbatten Windsor later called a “wrong decision.”
Having served in the navy for over 20 years, including as a helicopter pilot in the Falklands war, Mountbatten Windsor retained his vice-admiral rank even after Giuffre filed a civil case three years ago. His navy pension, reportedly £20,000 annually, is his only declared income from his service between 1979 and 2001.
Last week, Buckingham Palace announced he would lose his titles as prince and Duke of York and must leave Royal Lodge for private accommodation in Sandringham. Palace and Cabinet Office officials worked together to have the king use his royal prerogative to abolish the dukedom, avoiding parliamentary action.
The Guardian reported on Friday that the king approved a six-figure payment for his brother and is willing to fund an annual stipend to help him adjust to life as a commoner, with financial discussions still ongoing.
Although the title removal is immediate, the former prince is expected to remain at Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will miss the royal family’s holiday gathering.She is at Sandringham for the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the UK Defence Secretarys announcement regarding Prince Andrews naval titles designed to be clear concise and in a natural tone
Basic Questions The Announcement
1 What was actually announced
The UK Defence Secretary confirmed that Prince Andrew will be stripped of his honorary military titles and royal patronages This means he will no longer use the style His Royal Highness in an official military capacity and will lose his affiliations with various military units
2 Which specific naval title is he losing
His most senior title is Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps a role he held since 1992 He is also losing his rank of ViceAdmiral in the Royal Navy and his affiliations with over a dozen other military units
3 Why is this happening now
The decision came after a US judge allowed a civil sexual assault lawsuit against him to proceed Buckingham Palace and the Ministry of Defence decided it was no longer appropriate for him to hold titles that represent the Queen and the UK Armed Forces while facing such serious allegations
4 Is this a punishment or a conviction
No This is a symbolic and procedural action not a legal punishment He has not been convicted of any crime in a criminal court Its about protecting the reputation of the military and the monarchy from the ongoing legal case and public controversy
Deeper Context Implications
5 What is the difference between an honorary and an active military role
An active role involves real command duties and responsibilities An honorary role is a ceremonial title given to a senior royal to show a symbolic link to a regiment or unit Prince Andrew held honorary titles
6 Did Prince Andrew serve in the military for real
Yes He had an active and distinguished 22year career in the Royal Navy serving as a helicopter pilot and seeing combat during the Falklands War in 1982 His honorary titles were awarded after his active service ended
7 Can he get his titles back if he wins the lawsuit
While theoretically possible it is considered highly unlikely The damage to his public reputation is seen as too severe for a reinstatement regardless of the lawsuits outcome
