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The former Duke of York is set to lose his honorary military rank while the monarch seeks to put an end to the continuing controversy involving his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors Underway

The former prince is losing his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he received in 2015 and maintained even after surrendering other armed forces roles in 2022.

The defense minister stated on Sunday that government officials were collaborating with the king to remove his naval honours.

"In general, the government has been guided by the rulings and determinations the king has made. Regarding military matters, it's exactly the same," Healey stated.

Further Repercussions

When questioned about the former duke could lose his military medals as well, Healey responded that they were "medals for his service" and continued: "I don't have an update on that, but just as with his naval title, we would be guided by the judgments the king makes."

Historical Circumstances

Mountbatten Windsor has been facing fresh examination over his connections with Epstein following the publication of posthumous memoirs by Virginia Giuffre, who alleges she was compelled into sexual encounters with Andrew on multiple instances, including when she was a teenager.

Newly released emails show that the ex-royal wrote to Epstein in 2010 after the latter was released from jail on allegations involving sex trafficking.

Through email exchanges made public recently, 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 relationship with Epstein.

Military Service

Andrew was a member of 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 kept the rank of vice-admiral.

His military retirement pay is his sole existing means of official earnings after his service from 1979 and 2001, amounting to £20,000 a year.

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 move into personal housing in Sandringham.

Palace officials had collaborated with government employees in the government department to prevent the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, finally deciding that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his monarchical authority.

Although the removal of honors 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 royals gather at Sandringham for the holiday.