Former prince Andrew is set to lose his final military title as part of King Charles’s efforts to distance the royal family from public controversy. This decision comes following Andrew’s long-standing ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, which have severely impacted the royal family’s reputation.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced on BBC television that the process to revoke Andrew’s position as a vice admiral in the UK Navy is underway. Healey stated that the King has “indicated that’s what he wishes,” affirming that the Ministry of Defence is acting in accordance with the royal directive.
The announcement follows the King’s decision last week to strip Andrew of his royal title, now formally known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. This move was part of a broader effort to mitigate further damage to the monarchy. Andrew was also evicted from his residence, a significant step in the King’s plan to remove his brother from public life.
Healey confirmed that Andrew retained his vice admiral rank even after stepping down from other military roles in 2022. He received this rank on his 55th birthday in 2015. While Healey refrained from commenting on whether Andrew would keep his military medals, including the campaign medal awarded for his service in the Falklands War, he indicated that the Ministry of Defence would adhere to the King’s decisions regarding these matters.
Andrew’s naval career began in 1979 when he commenced officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. He served as a helicopter pilot and was part of the task force that retook the Falklands following the Argentinian invasion in 1982.
As the situation develops, the royal family’s attempts to repair its image will likely continue to play a prominent role in public discourse. The removal of Andrew’s last military title represents a significant chapter in the ongoing efforts to restore the monarchy’s standing in the eyes of the public.
