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The former Duke of York will be stripped of his naval title as King Charles seeks to put an end to the ongoing scandal regarding his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Removal Process Underway

The former prince faces removal of his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he was granted in 2015 and kept even after relinquishing 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.

"Usually, the administration follows the rulings and determinations 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 "awards recognizing his military career" and continued: "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."

Historical Circumstances

Mountbatten Windsor has been facing fresh examination over his connections with Epstein following the release of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was forced to have sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three occasions, including when she was 17 years old.

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

In the correspondence released on Friday, the convicted sex offender suggested 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 connections to Epstein.

Military Service

Andrew served in 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 armed forces honors but kept the rank of naval commander.

His military retirement pay is his only current source of declared income after his service from 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling twenty thousand pounds annually.

Recent Developments

Buckingham Palace formally announced last week he would lose the titles of royal titles, as well as being required to vacate his residence at Royal Lodge and move into personal housing in Sandringham.

Royal staff had worked with government employees in the government department to prevent the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, eventually agreeing that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his monarchical authority.

While the removal of honors takes effect immediately, the ex-royal is not anticipated to vacate Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be present when the family convenes at Sandringham for the holiday.