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The former Duke of York loses his naval title while the monarch aims to conclude the ongoing scandal involving his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Removal Process Underway

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is losing his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he obtained in 2015 and had retained even after relinquishing other military positions in 2022.

The defense minister confirmed on Sunday that ministers were working with the king to remove his naval honours.

"Usually, the government has been guided by the decisions and judgments 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, the minister answered that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and added: "There's no current information on that, but similar to his vice-admiral rank, we would be guided by the judgments the king makes."

Background Context

The former royal has been under renewed scrutiny over his connections with Epstein following the release of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, including when she was 17 years old.

Recently disclosed emails demonstrate that the ex-royal contacted Epstein in 2010 after the latter was released from jail on charges of sex trafficking.

In the correspondence released on Friday, the disgraced financier proposed 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 relationship with Epstein.

Naval Career

Andrew served in the navy for over 20 years, including as a aircraft commander during the Falklands war. After a civil case was initiated three years ago, he stopped using most of his armed forces honors but kept the rank of vice-admiral.

His military retirement pay is his only current source of official earnings after serving between 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling £20,000 a year.

Latest Changes

Royal officials officially declared last week he would be stripped of the honors of royal titles, as well as being made to leave his residence at Royal Lodge and move into private accommodation in Sandringham.

Royal staff had worked with civil servants in the government department to avoid the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, finally deciding that the king should remove the title entirely using his monarchical authority.

Although the loss of his titles comes into effect immediately, the ex-royal is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be in attendance when the family convenes at Sandringham for the holiday.