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The former Duke of York loses his honorary military rank while King Charles seeks to draw a line under the continuing controversy involving his connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Removal Process Underway

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor will be stripped of his military title of vice-admiral, which he received in 2015 and had retained even after relinquishing 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.

"Usually, the administration follows the rulings and determinations the king has made. Regarding military matters, it's precisely identical," Healey stated.

Additional Consequences

Asked whether Mountbatten Windsor could lose his military medals as well, Healey responded that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and continued: "I don't have an update on that, but just as with his vice-admiral rank, we would be guided by the decisions the king makes."

Background Context

Mountbatten Windsor has been under renewed scrutiny over his connections with Epstein following the release of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who states she was forced to have sex with Andrew on multiple instances, including when she was 17 years old.

Recently disclosed emails show that the ex-royal wrote to Epstein in 2010 after the latter was released from jail on allegations involving soliciting prostitution.

In the correspondence made public recently, the convicted sex offender suggested that Mountbatten Windsor 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

The former duke was a member of the navy for more than two decades, including as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands war. After Giuffre filed 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, amounting to £20,000 a year.

Recent Developments

Buckingham Palace 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 private accommodation in Sandringham.

Royal staff had worked with civil servants in the Cabinet Office to avoid the decision having to be taken by parliament, finally deciding that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his powers of royal prerogative.

While the loss of his titles comes into effect right away, the ex-royal is not anticipated to vacate Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be present when the family convenes at Sandringham for the festive season.