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Prince Andrew is set to lose his naval title while King Charles aims to conclude the ongoing scandal regarding his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Removal Process Underway

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is losing his honorary rank of naval commander, which he received in 2015 and kept even after surrendering other military positions in 2022.

Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on Sunday that ministers were working with the king to remove his naval honours.

"Typically, the administration follows the decisions and judgments the king has made. In defence, it's precisely identical," the defense secretary said.

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 similar to his vice-admiral rank, we would be guided by the judgments the king makes."

Background Context

The former royal has been under renewed scrutiny over his connections with Epstein following the publication of posthumous memoirs by Virginia Giuffre, who states she was compelled into sexual encounters with Andrew on three occasions, including when she was a teenager.

Newly released emails reveal that the ex-royal contacted Epstein in 2010 after the latter was released from jail on allegations involving sex trafficking.

Through email exchanges made public recently, the convicted sex offender proposed that Mountbatten Windsor meet former JP Morgan executive Jes Staley, who was prohibited from the UK banking sector for life in June for deceiving regulators about his relationship with Epstein.

Naval Career

The former duke served in the navy for over 20 years, including as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands war. After a civil case was initiated three years ago, he ceased utilizing most of his armed forces honors but kept the rank of naval commander.

The navy pension is his sole existing means of declared income after his service from 1979 and 2001, amounting to £20,000 a year.

Recent Developments

Buckingham Palace formally announced last week he would be stripped of the honors of royal titles, as well as being made to leave his residence at Royal Lodge and relocate to personal housing in Sandringham.

Royal staff had worked with civil servants in the Cabinet Office to avoid the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, finally deciding that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his monarchical authority.

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