Defence chiefs are facing mounting pressure to immediately strip Andrew Mountbatten Windsor of his last remaining title as vice-admiral in the Royal Navy, despite King Charles formally requesting the removal four weeks ago.
The Lingering Title Controversy
The former Prince Andrew continues to hold the honorary rank of vice-admiral, marking the final title he retains after his brother, King Charles, formally stripped him of his prince title and announced his removal from Royal Lodge on November 6. This delay has been described by senior military figures as 'extraordinary', with calls for the government to 'get on with it' and complete the process.
Andrew's reputation has been severely damaged by multiple scandals, including his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the recent posthumous autobiography from Virginia Giuffre. Further damaging evidence emerged through a fresh batch of emails revealing that Andrew maintained contact with Epstein even after publicly claiming to have severed ties with the disgraced New York financier.
Government Responsibility and Royal Intent
Critically, the responsibility for removing Andrew's vice-admiral title falls to the government rather than the King. The honorary rank was awarded to Andrew on his 55th birthday in February 2015, following his 22-year service in the Royal Navy. He had been scheduled for promotion to admiral on his 60th birthday, but this was deferred following his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview in 2019 and subsequent withdrawal from public duties.
On November 6, responding to mounting public pressure, King Charles formally stripped his brother of royal titles and honours. A Buckingham Palace statement released on October 30 emphasised that 'Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.'
Ongoing Delays and Military Criticism
Just three days after the King's action, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed in a BBC interview that the government would 'work to remove' Andrew's last remaining title, stating: 'This is a move that's right. It's a move the King has indicated we should take, and we're working on that at the moment.'
However, the Ministry of Defence revealed last night that the process remains incomplete, describing the matter as 'ongoing' but declining to comment on the stage of proceedings or provide reasons for the month-long delay. An MoD spokesperson told the Times: 'Defence continues to act in line with His Majesty's intent regarding the process to remove the style, titles and honours of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.'
Admiral Lord West, the former first sea lord and chief of the naval staff, expressed astonishment at the delay: 'It seems extraordinary that it is taking so long and I cannot see why it is that difficult to remove it. He has paid a penalty for his stupid behaviour and that is right. What I would not approve of is if he kept the title, that would not be appropriate with his behaviour.'
Lord West highlighted the recent swift removal of Sir Ben Key as first sea lord earlier this year after the married father of three was found to have had an affair with a junior female colleague, questioning why Andrew's case should prove more complicated: 'We recently swiftly removed the first sea lord from his position and he had the rank of admiral, so it cannot be that difficult. They should just get on with it.'
Meanwhile, Andrew was spotted on November 17 riding around the grounds of Windsor Castle with a female companion, despite being officially evicted from Royal Lodge by the King and Prince William. Although meant to be relocating to Sandringham, multiple sources indicate it will take months for him to vacate his Windsor home, which he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
The King's formal stripping of Andrew's prince title on November 6 included the removal of his HRH style through a rare Letters Patent, effectively making his younger brother a commoner in official terms, though the vice-admiral title remains the final hurdle in his complete separation from formal honours.
