King Charles to Strip Prince Andrew of Honorary Military Rank

Former royal family member Prince Andrew is set to face further humiliation as King Charles III plans to revoke his honorary title of vice admiral in the Royal Navy. This announcement comes from John Healey, Britain’s Secretary of State for Defence, who confirmed the decision on Sunday.

The honorary vice admiral title was bestowed upon Andrew in 2015 to commemorate his 55th birthday. Despite losing other military roles in 2022 amid a scandal involving his connections to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the title remained. Healey explained that the process to remove the honorary position is currently underway and reflects the wishes of the king. “This is a move that’s right, it’s a move the king has indicated we should take,” Healey stated in an interview with the BBC.

Andrew’s military career spanned 22 years, during which he served as a helicopter pilot in the Falklands War and commanded a mine countermeasures vessel. However, the former Duke of York, now 65 years old, is facing a future as a private citizen stripped of his royal titles. Following discussions with the royal family, he has been ordered to relinquish his titles, including the Duke of York designation, and will lose the “Prince” title, opting instead for the name Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

The fallout from a civil lawsuit in the United States has significantly impacted Andrew’s standing. He was accused by Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein trafficking victim, of sexual abuse. In her memoir published posthumously last month, Giuffre alleged that she had sexual encounters with Andrew when she was a teenager. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In the coming months, Andrew must vacate the Royal Lodge, a 30-room property where he currently resides with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Reports indicate he has until January 2024 to leave the residence, which adds another layer of complexity to his current situation.

As the royal family continues to navigate the implications of Andrew’s past, the decision to revoke his honorary military rank underscores a broader effort to distance the monarchy from controversy. The actions taken by King Charles mark a significant shift within the royal institution, emphasizing accountability and reform.