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Prince Andrew loses his naval title as the monarch aims to draw a line under the continuing controversy surrounding his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors Underway

The former prince will be stripped of his honorary rank of naval commander, which he received in 2015 and kept even after surrendering other armed forces roles 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. Regarding military matters, it's exactly the same," the defense secretary said.

Further Repercussions

When questioned about Mountbatten Windsor could forfeit his service awards as well, Healey responded that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and continued: "There's no current information on that, but just as with his naval title, we would be guided by the decisions the king makes."

Background Context

The former royal has been under renewed scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein following the publication of posthumous memoirs by Virginia Giuffre, who alleges she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, including when she was 17 years old.

Newly released emails reveal that the former prince wrote to Epstein in 2010 after the financier got out from jail on charges of soliciting prostitution.

In the correspondence made public recently, the convicted sex offender proposed that Andrew 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 was a member of the navy for more than two decades, including as a aircraft commander during the 1982 conflict. After a civil case was initiated three years ago, he ceased utilizing most of his military titles but kept the rank of naval commander.

The navy pension is his only current source of declared income after his service from 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling £20,000 a year.

Recent Developments

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

Palace officials had collaborated with civil servants in the government department to prevent the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, finally deciding that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his monarchical authority.

While the removal of honors comes into effect immediately, the former prince is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be present when the royals gather at Sandringham for the holiday.