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Ex-Navy chief stripped of knighthood after affair with younger colleague
- Admiral Ben Key, former First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, has been stripped of his knighthood and CBE following his 2025 dismissal amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a female subordinate.
- In July 2025, a Ministry investigation found Key fell "far short of the values and standards expected" after probing claims he breached the Navy's "service test," resulting in his termination.
- Key served as First Sea Lord from 2021 until May 2025, when he received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2016 and the Knight Commander of the Bath in 2021 before being stripped.
- A Royal Navy spokesperson stated that allegations of unacceptable behaviour are thoroughly investigated, with those found guilty facing serious consequences including referral to the Cabinet Office Forfeitures Committee for withdrawal of state honours.
- General Sir Gwyn Jenkins of the Royal Marines succeeded Key in May 2025. The former head of the Navy, educated at Bromsgrove School in Worcestershire, began his career in 1984 as a university cadet.
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Former Royal Navy chief stripped of knighthood after 'affair with junior officer'
The former head of the Royal Navy has been stripped of his knighthood over an alleged affair with a junior officer.Ben Key said he had been informed of the result of an honours review relating to his conduct, and fully accepted the "outcome and the need for accountability".Last year, he became the only First Sea Lord to have had his service terminated after an investigation which determined his behaviour had "fallen far short of [the] values and…
·London, United Kingdom
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Former Royal Navy chief stripped of knighthood after affair claims
Ben Key was alleged to have had a relationship with a female subordinate
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Center, 37% Right
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center, 37% of the sources lean Right
38% Center
L 25%
C 38%
R 37%
Factuality
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