The former Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, is set to be stripped of his honorary rank of vice-admiral, the UK defence secretary has confirmed. John Healey stated on Sunday that the government is working with King Charles to remove the naval title, a week after the prince's royal titles were removed.
Healey told the BBC that the government has been guided by the king's decisions regarding Andrew's military honours. The vice-admiral rank, granted in 2015, was the last remaining honorary military position after Andrew surrendered others in 2022 following his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny over Andrew's ties to Epstein, following the publication of memoirs by Virginia Giuffre, who alleges she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions. Andrew denies the allegations. Newly released emails show Andrew wrote to Epstein in 2010, suggesting they meet, despite Epstein's 2009 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Andrew served in the Royal Navy for over 20 years, including as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War. His navy pension, reportedly £20,000 a year, is his only declared income. Buckingham Palace last week announced he would lose his titles of prince and Duke of York and leave Royal Lodge.
Palace officials worked with the Cabinet Office to avoid parliamentary intervention, with the king using royal prerogative to abolish the dukedom. The Guardian revealed the king approved a six-figure payment for Andrew and a personal annual stipend to prevent overspending. Andrew is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until after Christmas.
