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The former Duke of York is set to lose his naval title while the monarch seeks to put an end to the ongoing scandal regarding his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors In Progress

The former prince is losing his military title of naval commander, which he received in 2015 and had retained even after giving up other military positions in 2022.

The defense minister stated on Sunday that ministers were working with the king to strip his military titles.

"In general, the government has been guided by the decisions and judgments the king has made. Regarding military matters, it's exactly the same," the defense secretary said.

Additional Consequences

Asked whether Mountbatten Windsor could lose his military medals as well, the minister answered that they were "medals for his service" and added: "There's no current information on that, but just as with his vice-admiral rank, we would be directed by the decisions the king makes."

Background Context

Mountbatten Windsor has been facing fresh examination over his connections with Epstein following the publication of posthumous memoirs by Virginia Giuffre, who states she was compelled into sexual encounters with Mountbatten Windsor on three occasions, including when she was a teenager.

Recently disclosed emails show that the ex-royal wrote to Epstein in 2010 after the latter was released from jail on charges of sex trafficking.

Through email exchanges released on Friday, the convicted sex offender 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

The former duke served in the navy for over 20 years, including as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 conflict. After Giuffre filed three years ago, he ceased utilizing most of his armed forces honors but kept the rank of naval commander.

The navy pension is his only current source of official earnings after serving between 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling £20,000 a year.

Latest Changes

Buckingham Palace officially declared last week he would lose the titles of prince and Duke of York, as well as being made to leave his home in Windsor and relocate to personal housing in Sandringham.

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

While the removal of honors comes into effect immediately, the ex-royal is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until following the holidays, meaning he will not be present when the royals gather at Sandringham for the festive season.