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The former Duke of York loses his honorary military rank while King Charles aims to put an end to the ongoing scandal regarding his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors Underway

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor faces removal of his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he obtained in 2015 and maintained even after surrendering other military positions in 2022.

The defense minister stated on Sunday that government officials were collaborating with the king to strip his military titles.

"In general, the administration follows the rulings and determinations the king has made. In defence, it's precisely identical," the defense secretary said.

Further Repercussions

Asked whether the former duke could lose his military medals as well, Healey responded that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and added: "There's no current information on that, but just as with his naval title, we would be directed by the decisions the king makes."

Background Context

The former royal has been under renewed scrutiny over his ties to Epstein following the publication of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who states she was compelled into sexual encounters with Mountbatten Windsor on three occasions, including when she was a teenager.

Recently disclosed emails reveal that the former prince contacted Epstein in 2010 after the financier got out from jail on allegations involving soliciting prostitution.

Through email exchanges made public recently, the convicted sex offender suggested that Mountbatten Windsor meet former JP Morgan executive Jes Staley, who was prohibited from the UK banking sector for life in June for deceiving regulators about his relationship with Epstein.

Military Service

Andrew served in the navy for more than two decades, including as a aircraft commander during the 1982 conflict. After a civil case was initiated three years ago, he ceased utilizing most of his armed forces honors but retained the rank of naval commander.

The navy pension is his only current source of declared income after serving between 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling twenty thousand pounds annually.

Latest Changes

Royal officials formally announced last week he would be stripped of the honors of prince and Duke of York, as well as being made to leave his residence at Royal Lodge and relocate to private accommodation in Sandringham.

Royal staff had worked with civil servants in the government department to avoid the decision having to be taken by parliament, eventually agreeing that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his powers of royal prerogative.

Although the loss of his titles takes effect right away, the former prince is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be present when the family convenes at Sandringham for the holiday.