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Prince Andrew will be stripped of his naval title as the monarch attempts to conclude the ongoing scandal involving his connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors In Progress

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is losing his military title of naval commander, which he received in 2015 and maintained even after relinquishing 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 precisely identical," the defense secretary said.

Further Repercussions

When questioned about 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 similar to his vice-admiral rank, we would be directed by the judgments the king makes."

Historical Circumstances

Mountbatten Windsor has been under renewed scrutiny over his connections with Epstein following the release of late-published recollections by Virginia Giuffre, who states she was forced to have sex with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances, including when she was 17 years old.

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

In the correspondence made public recently, 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 misleading the watchdog about his connections to Epstein.

Military Service

The former duke served in the navy for more than two decades, including as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 conflict. After Giuffre filed three years ago, he ceased utilizing most of his military titles but kept the rank of naval commander.

The navy pension 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 officially declared last week he would lose the titles of royal titles, as well as being made to leave his residence at Royal Lodge and relocate to personal housing in Sandringham.

Palace officials had worked with civil servants in the Cabinet Office to avoid the decision having to be taken by parliament, finally deciding that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his monarchical authority.

While the loss of his titles takes effect immediately, the former prince is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until after Christmas, meaning he will not be in attendance when the royals gather at Sandringham for the holiday.