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Prince Andrew is set to lose his honorary military rank as the monarch attempts to conclude the continuing controversy involving his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Removal Process Underway

The former prince will be stripped of his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he received in 2015 and had retained even after surrendering other armed forces roles in 2022.

The defense minister stated on Sunday that government officials were collaborating with the king to remove his naval honours.

"Usually, the administration follows the rulings and determinations the king has made. In defence, it's precisely identical," Healey stated.

Further Repercussions

When questioned about Mountbatten Windsor could forfeit his service awards as well, the minister answered that they were "awards recognizing his military career" and added: "I don't have an update on that, but just as with his vice-admiral rank, we would be guided by the judgments the king makes."

Background Context

The former royal has been facing fresh examination over his ties to Epstein following the release of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who states she was forced to have sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three occasions, including when she was a teenager.

Recently disclosed emails show that the former prince wrote to 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 banned from the UK banking sector for life in June for misleading the watchdog about his relationship with Epstein.

Military Service

Andrew 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 stopped using most of his armed forces honors but kept the rank of naval commander.

His military retirement pay is his sole existing means of official earnings after his service from 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling £20,000 a year.

Recent Developments

Royal officials officially declared last week he would be stripped of the honors of royal titles, as well as being made to leave his home in Windsor and move into personal housing in Sandringham.

Royal staff had collaborated with civil servants in the Cabinet Office to prevent the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, eventually agreeing that the king should remove the title entirely using his monarchical authority.

While the loss of his titles comes into effect immediately, the ex-royal is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until following the holidays, meaning he will not be in attendance when the family convenes at Sandringham for the festive season.