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Prince Andrew will be stripped of his naval title while the monarch seeks to conclude the continuing controversy involving his connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors Underway

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor faces removal of his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he obtained in 2015 and kept even after surrendering other armed forces roles in 2022.

Defence Secretary John Healey stated on Sunday that ministers were working with the king to strip his military titles.

"Typically, the government has been guided by the rulings and determinations the king has made. In defence, it's exactly the same," Healey stated.

Further Repercussions

Asked whether Mountbatten Windsor could lose his military medals as well, Healey responded that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and continued: "There's no current information on that, but just as with his naval title, we would be directed by the decisions the king makes."

Background Context

The former royal has been facing fresh examination over his ties to Epstein following the release of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was compelled into sexual encounters with Andrew on three occasions, including when she was 17 years old.

Recently disclosed emails reveal that the ex-royal wrote to Epstein in 2010 after the latter was released from jail on charges of soliciting prostitution.

Through email exchanges released on Friday, the disgraced financier proposed that Andrew 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.

Naval Career

Andrew served in the navy for over 20 years, including as a aircraft commander during the 1982 conflict. After Giuffre filed three years ago, he stopped using most of his military titles but kept the rank of naval commander.

The navy pension is his sole existing means of declared income after serving between 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling £20,000 a year.

Recent Developments

Royal officials officially declared last week he would lose the titles of royal titles, as well as being made to leave his residence at Royal Lodge and relocate to personal housing in Sandringham.

Palace officials had collaborated with civil servants in the government department to avoid the decision having to be taken by parliament, eventually agreeing that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his monarchical authority.

Although the removal of honors takes effect immediately, the former prince is not anticipated to vacate Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be present when the royals gather at Sandringham for the festive season.