King Charles has agreed that his brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, may retain the South Atlantic Medal for his service during the 1982 Falklands conflict, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. The decision comes after the former Duke of York was stripped of all royal and military titles, including his princehood, dukedom, and honorary rank of vice-admiral, amid fallout from his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Defence Secretary John Healey had previously stated that the government would be guided by the King's decisions regarding Andrew's medals. Operational medals, such as the South Atlantic Medal, are not considered honours and thus are not subject to the same forfeiture rules. Andrew served 22 years in the Royal Navy and was a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict, where he acted as a decoy for Exocet missiles.
Falklands veterans have defended the retention of the medal. Simon Weston, who was severely burned in the attack on RFA Sir Galahad, told the Telegraph that while Andrew has lost all other dignity and respect, his service during the conflict was a moment where he was 'dignified, honourable and courageous.' Another senior defence source described stripping the medal as 'extraordinary,' noting that it would negate recognition of bravery.
A YouGov poll of around 6,000 adults found that 36% supported Andrew losing his medals (26% strongly, 10% somewhat), while 43% opposed it (26% somewhat, 17% strongly), and 22% were undecided. Andrew, now 65, left the navy as a commander but was later promoted under a policy for working royals. He has also been ordered to vacate Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.
