The Ministry of Defence is currently in the process of revoking Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's last honorary military rank, as directed by King Charles III, according to the Defence Secretary John Healey. This significant decision follows the recent stripping of Andrew's title as a prince, which occurred on Thursday. Despite losing his other military positions in 2022, Andrew has retained his rank as Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy.
During an interview on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Healey emphasized that this move is in alignment with the wishes of King Charles. He stated, "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." The King’s younger brother, Andrew, has had a long-standing career in public life, serving both as a war hero and a prince, but he has experienced a significant decline in his public image in recent years.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor boasts a notable 22-year career in the Royal Navy, where he served as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War. His command experience includes leading the mine countermeasures vessel HMS Cottesmore. However, this week marked a pivotal moment as he lost his last remaining royal titles and privileges after facing increasing scrutiny over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Throughout these controversies, Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Royal author and journalist Valentine Low commented on the situation during his appearance on the BBC program, stating that the removal of Andrew's final military title will likely be a substantial blow to him. Low noted, "Royals, and particularly Andrew, are very proud and determined to hang onto military titles," highlighting the significance of these titles within royal tradition. He remarked on the King's apparent determination to distance himself from his brother, describing it as "a flinty-eyed ruthlessness."
In 2022, Andrew had already returned his other military titles and royal patronages, ceasing to use the title His Royal Highness in an official capacity. This decision was influenced by accusations of sexual abuse made against him in a civil case in the United States. Andrew later settled the allegations brought forth by Virginia Giuffre, a victim of sex trafficking and abuse linked to Epstein, who claimed that Andrew had sexually abused her as a teenager. Andrew has always maintained his innocence regarding these allegations.
Among the military titles that Andrew lost during this period were the prestigious role of Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, one of the foremost infantry regiments in the British Army. He also forfeited several overseas honorary positions, including Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada and Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment. This latest development underscores the ongoing repercussions of Andrew's controversial associations and the royal family's efforts to distance itself from scandal.
