Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is set to be stripped of his final honorary military rank, Vice-Admiral, the Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed. The rank, bestowed upon him on his 55th birthday in 2015, marks the last honorary title held by Andrew following his voluntary surrender of all other military roles in 2022 amid controversies linked to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Healey emphasized that government actions are aligned with the King’s guidance, stating, “The Government has been guided by the decisions and judgments the King has made. Andrew has surrendered his honorary military positions, and with the King’s direction, we are moving to remove the last remaining title of vice-admiral.”
While it remains unclear whether Andrew will retain his campaign medals, including those earned during his service in the Falklands War, Defence officials confirmed the Ministry of Defence will follow the King’s decisions regarding these honors. The process of removing the rank is expected to be swift, with discussions underway on whether Andrew will revert to the commander rank he held during active service or lose his naval ranking entirely.
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This development follows King Charles III’s decision to strip Andrew of his peerages and princely title amidst ongoing repercussions from the Epstein scandal. The Duke of York title has already been removed from the Roll of Peerages.
Andrew’s association with the Royal Navy began in 1979 when he entered the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. He served as a helicopter pilot and participated in the 1982 Falklands conflict, ultimately ending his active naval career in 2001 as a commander before receiving honorary promotions such as vice-admiral.
Amid these recent actions, reports emerged alleging Andrew obstructed statements supporting Epstein abuse survivors, with King Charles and Queen Camilla expressing public sympathy for all victims of abuse. A close associate revealed to The Sunday Times that victim references were removed from official palace communications drafted post-Andrew’s contentious 2019 Newsnight interview, which required his approval. Andrew denies allegations of sexual assault brought forth by Virginia Giuffre.
The King’s official statement on Andrew’s title removal was described as personally authored, reflecting growing royal frustration. Buckingham Palace has declined further comment. Meanwhile, Andrew faces increasing pressure to testify before a U.S. Congressional committee probing Epstein’s activities, as members demand clarity on what he knew about Epstein’s offenses.