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Prince Andrew is set to lose his honorary military rank while King Charles aims to put an end to the ongoing scandal involving his connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Stripping of Honors In Progress

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor will be stripped of his military title of vice-admiral, which he was granted in 2015 and kept even after surrendering other military positions in 2022.

The defense minister confirmed on Sunday that ministers were working with the king to strip his military titles.

"Usually, the government has been guided by the rulings and determinations the king has made. In defence, it's precisely identical," the defense secretary said.

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: "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

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 compelled into sexual encounters with Mountbatten Windsor on multiple instances, including when she was 17 years old.

Recently disclosed emails reveal that the ex-royal contacted Epstein in 2010 after the latter was released from jail on charges of soliciting prostitution.

Through email exchanges made public recently, the convicted sex offender proposed that Mountbatten Windsor 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.

Naval Career

The former duke served in the navy for over 20 years, including as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands war. After a civil case was initiated three years ago, he ceased utilizing most of his armed forces honors but retained the rank of naval commander.

The navy pension is his only current source of official earnings after serving between 1979 and 2001, reportedly totaling £20,000 a year.

Recent Developments

Buckingham Palace formally announced 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 private accommodation in Sandringham.

Royal staff had worked with civil servants in the government department to avoid the decision having to be approved by lawmakers, eventually agreeing that the king should abolish the dukedom entirely using his powers of royal prerogative.

Although the removal of honors comes into effect right away, the ex-royal is not expected to leave Royal Lodge until following the holidays, meaning he will not be present when the family convenes at Sandringham for the festive season.