🔗 Share this article Andrew Will Be Stripped of Honorary Rank, Says Defence Secretary The former Duke of York loses his honorary military rank while the monarch seeks to put an end to the ongoing scandal involving his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Stripping of Honors In Progress Andrew Mountbatten Windsor faces removal of his honorary rank of naval commander, which he obtained in 2015 and maintained even after relinquishing other armed forces roles in 2022. The defense minister announced on Sunday that government officials were collaborating with the king to remove his naval honours. "In general, the administration follows the decisions and judgments the king has made. In defence, it's precisely identical," the defense secretary said. Further Repercussions Asked whether the former duke could forfeit his service awards as well, Healey responded that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and added: "I don't have an update on that, but just as with his vice-admiral rank, we would be guided by the decisions the king makes." Background Context The former royal has been facing fresh examination over his connections with Epstein following the publication of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who states she was forced to have sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three occasions, including when she was a teenager. Newly released emails demonstrate that the ex-royal wrote to Epstein in 2010 after the financier got out from jail on allegations involving soliciting prostitution. In the correspondence released on Friday, the convicted sex offender suggested that Andrew 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 served in the navy for over 20 years, 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 kept the rank of naval commander. His military retirement pay is his only current source of official earnings after his service from 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 required to vacate his residence at Royal Lodge and relocate to private accommodation in Sandringham. Royal staff had collaborated with government employees in the Cabinet Office to prevent the decision having to be taken by parliament, finally deciding that the king should remove the title entirely using his powers of royal prerogative. Although the loss of his titles takes effect immediately, the ex-royal is not anticipated to vacate Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be present when the royals gather at Sandringham for the festive season.