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Prince Andrew is set to lose his honorary military rank while the monarch attempts to draw a line under the continuing controversy surrounding his brother's relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors In Progress

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor faces removal of his military title of vice-admiral, which he was granted in 2015 and maintained even after surrendering other armed forces roles in 2022.

The defense minister confirmed on Sunday that government officials were collaborating with the king to strip his military titles.

"In general, the government has been guided by the decisions and judgments the king has made. In defence, it's exactly the same," Healey stated.

Additional Consequences

When questioned about the former duke could lose his military medals as well, Healey responded that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and added: "I don't have an update on that, but similar to his vice-admiral rank, we would be directed by the decisions the king makes."

Historical Circumstances

The former royal has been under renewed scrutiny over his connections with Epstein following the publication of posthumous memoirs by Virginia Giuffre, who alleges she was compelled into sexual encounters with Mountbatten Windsor on three occasions, including when she was a teenager.

Newly released emails show that the former prince contacted Epstein in 2010 after the financier got out from jail on allegations involving soliciting prostitution.

Through email exchanges released on Friday, the convicted sex offender suggested 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 connections to Epstein.

Military Service

Andrew was a member of the navy for over 20 years, including as a aircraft commander during the Falklands war. After Giuffre filed three years ago, he ceased utilizing most of his armed forces honors but retained the rank of vice-admiral.

His military retirement pay is his sole existing means of declared income after his service from 1979 and 2001, amounting to £20,000 a year.

Latest Changes

Royal officials formally announced last week he would be stripped of the honors of prince and Duke of York, as well as being required to vacate his residence at Royal Lodge and relocate to private accommodation in Sandringham.

Royal staff had collaborated with government employees in the Cabinet Office to avoid the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, eventually agreeing that the king should remove the title entirely using his powers of royal prerogative.

While the removal of honors comes into effect right away, the ex-royal is not anticipated to vacate Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be present when the royals gather at Sandringham for the holiday.