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Prince Andrew is set to lose his honorary military rank as the monarch attempts to put an end to the ongoing scandal involving his connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors Underway

The former prince faces removal of his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he obtained in 2015 and had retained 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.

"Usually, the administration follows the rulings and determinations the king has made. In defence, it's exactly the same," the defense secretary said.

Further Repercussions

When questioned about Mountbatten Windsor could forfeit his service awards as well, the minister answered that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and added: "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

Mountbatten Windsor has been facing fresh examination over his relationship with Epstein following the publication of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who states she was forced to have sex with Andrew on multiple instances, including when she was a teenager.

Recently disclosed emails show that the ex-royal contacted Epstein in 2010 after the financier got out from jail on allegations involving sex trafficking.

Through email exchanges 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 deceiving regulators about his relationship with Epstein.

Military Service

The former duke served in the navy for over 20 years, including as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands war. After Giuffre filed three years ago, he stopped using most of his military titles but retained the rank of vice-admiral.

The navy pension is his only current source of official earnings after his service from 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling twenty thousand pounds annually.

Recent Developments

Royal officials formally announced last week he would lose the titles of royal titles, as well as being required to vacate his home in Windsor and relocate to personal housing in Sandringham.

Royal staff had worked with government employees in the Cabinet Office to avoid the decision having to be taken by parliament, finally deciding that the king should remove the title entirely using his powers of royal prerogative.

Although the loss of his titles takes effect immediately, the ex-royal is not anticipated to vacate Royal Lodge until following the holidays, meaning he will not be in attendance when the family convenes at Sandringham for the holiday.