King wants Andrew to lose Vice Admiral rank, minister says

8 minutes agoShareSaveNoor Nanji & Laura KuenssbergShareSavePA MediaAndrew served in the Royal Navy for 22 yearsThe Ministry of Defence is working to remove Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's last honorary military rank under the guidance of the King, the defence secretary has said.John Healey said King Charles had "indicated that's what he wishes".Andrew, who was stripped of his title as a prince on Thursday, retained his rank as a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy after giving up his other military positions in 2022.Healey told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: "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."Andrew had a 22-year career in the Royal Navy, and served as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War.This week, he lost his last remaining titles and privileges following months of pressure over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has always denied wrongdoing.Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, royal author and journalist Valentine Low said the latest move, to lose his last remaining military title, will be a "blow" to Andrew."Royals, and particularly Andrew, are very proud and determined to hang onto military titles," he said."It seems the King is intent on taking absolutely everything away from his brother. It's a flinty eyed ruthlessness he's displaying."Andrew Mountbatten WindsorUK Royal Family