The government is reportedly “working to remove” Prince Andrew’s last remaining honorary military title at the behest of King Charles, according to the Defence Secretary.
John Healey stated that King Charles had “indicated that’s what he wishes.”
Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his title as a prince on Thursday, had retained his rank as a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy after relinquishing his other military affiliations in 2022.
Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Healey said: “This is a move that’s right, it’s a move the King has indicated we should take and we’re working on that at the moment.”
Prince Andrew, once a prominent figure in public life as both a war hero and a prince, has experienced a significant decline in standing.
The King’s younger brother served for 22 years in the Royal Navy, including a stint as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War.
He also commanded the mine countermeasures vessel HMS Cottesmore.
This week, he lost his last royal titles and privileges following sustained pressure regarding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Royal author and journalist Valentine Low, also appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, suggested that this latest development, the loss of his final military title, would be a “blow” to Prince Andrew.
“Royals, and particularly Andrew, are very proud and determined to hang onto military titles,” he noted.
“It seems the King is intent on taking absolutely everything away from his brother. It’s a flinty eyed ruthlessness he’s displaying.”
Prince Andrew had previously relinquished his other military titles and royal patronages in 2022, and ceased using the title His Royal Highness in an official capacity, following accusations of sexual abuse in a civil lawsuit in the United States.
He subsequently settled the case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre, a victim of sex trafficking and abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, who alleged that Prince Andrew sexually abused her when she was a minor – allegations that Prince Andrew has consistently denied.
Military titles previously rescinded from Prince Andrew included Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, one of the most prestigious infantry regiments in the British Army.
He also lost several honorary overseas roles, including Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Highland Fusiliers Of Canada, and Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment.
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