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Prince Andrew is set to lose his naval title as the monarch attempts to put an end to the continuing controversy regarding his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Removal Process In Progress

The former prince will be stripped of his military title of vice-admiral, which he obtained in 2015 and maintained even after relinquishing other armed forces roles in 2022.

The defense minister stated on Sunday that ministers were working with the king to strip his military titles.

"Typically, the administration follows the rulings and determinations the king has made. Regarding military matters, it's precisely identical," Healey stated.

Further Repercussions

When questioned about the former duke could forfeit his service awards as well, Healey responded that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and continued: "I don't have an update on that, but similar to his vice-admiral rank, we would be directed by the decisions the king makes."

Background Context

Mountbatten Windsor has been under renewed scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein following the publication of posthumous memoirs by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was compelled into sexual encounters with Mountbatten Windsor on three occasions, including when she was 17 years old.

Newly released emails reveal that the former prince wrote to Epstein in 2010 after the financier got out from jail on allegations involving soliciting prostitution.

In the correspondence made public recently, the disgraced financier suggested that Andrew 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 was a member of the navy for more than two decades, including as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 conflict. After a civil case was initiated three years ago, he ceased utilizing most of his military titles but kept the rank of vice-admiral.

His military retirement pay is his sole existing means of declared income after his service from 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling £20,000 a year.

Latest Changes

Royal officials formally announced last week he would lose the titles of prince and Duke of York, as well as being required to vacate his residence at Royal Lodge and move into personal housing in Sandringham.

Palace officials had collaborated with government employees in the Cabinet Office to avoid the decision having to be taken by parliament, finally deciding that the king should remove the title entirely using his monarchical authority.

While the loss of his titles comes into effect right away, the former prince is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be in attendance when the royals gather at Sandringham for the festive season.