The former head of the Royal Navy, Ben Key, has been stripped of his knighthood and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) following an investigation into an alleged affair with a subordinate. The decision, announced on October 1, 2026, marks the first time in 500 years that a serving First Sea Lord has faced such disciplinary action resulting in the loss of honours.

Key, 60, who served more than four decades in the navy, was suspended last year amid inquiries into his conduct. The investigation concluded that his behaviour had fallen far short of the values and standards expected of service personnel, leading to the termination of his service and the subsequent forfeiture of his knighthood and CBE. Although he no longer holds the rank of admiral, Key retains his pension.

In a statement, Key expressed "deep regret" over the incident and said he "fully accepts the outcome and the need for accountability," stressing the importance of leadership standards within the armed forces. He also thanked family and friends for their support over the past year. Details of the affair were not officially disclosed, but sources indicated that the relationship was consensual and came to light after the complaint was made by the husband of the woman involved. There was no suggestion of criminal conduct.

Key had been appointed as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff in 2021 and was previously awarded the CBE in 2016 while serving as Fleet Commander, a role in which he oversaw the Royal Navy’s retreat from Kabul. His knighthood was conferred upon taking the top naval appointment. He was due to step down last summer but was prevented from resigning early to allow the investigation to conclude.

Colleagues and military figures provided mixed reactions to the outcome. General Sir Patrick Sanders, former Chief of the General Staff, described Key as one of the most respected and operationally tested naval officers of his generation. He acknowledged the gravity of Key’s mistake but praised his leadership and popularity within the service. A senior female navy officer commented that, while the decision was understandable given the process, it was disappointing that a long career of service was overshadowed by a single lapse in judgment.

During Key’s tenure, significant reforms were implemented within the Royal Navy to strengthen protections for women, reflecting his broader commitment to service improvement. His successor, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, became the first Royal Marine to lead the Royal Navy.

A Navy spokesman stated that standards of conduct remain paramount and emphasized that personnel found guilty of unacceptable behaviour will face serious consequences, including potential referral to the Cabinet Office’s forfeiture committee, which oversees the removal of state honours.