Former Royal Navy chief Ben Key has been stripped of his knighthood and CBE after his service was terminated following allegations that he had an affair with a junior female officer.
The married father of three was suspended as First Sea Lord in May 2025. An investigation later concluded that his conduct had fallen “far short of expected standards”.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced in July 2025 that the findings had resulted in the termination of Mr Key’s service and commission.
He is the first First Sea Lord in history to have his service terminated. Although he is no longer an admiral, he will continue to receive his pension.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mr Key said: “More than a year after stepping down, I have been informed of the outcome of an honours review relating to my previous conduct.
“I fully accept the outcome and the need for accountability, especially for those of us who have held leadership positions in the armed services.
“It was a great privilege to serve my career in the Royal Navy. I deeply regret what happened and the impact my actions have had on others. I remain very grateful for the support of my family and friends throughout this past year.”
The alleged affair is understood to have come to light after the female officer’s non-serving husband filed a complaint with the MoD.
Former Royal Navy chief Ben Key has lost his knighthood and CBE after being dismissed following allegations that he had an affair with a junior female officer.
Mr Key, pictured with his wife Elly, was investigated for misconduct after a complaint to the Ministry of Defence concerning the alleged affair.
Mr Key was accused of breaching the service test, which strictly prohibits sexual relationships between commanders and their subordinates.
The junior officer’s husband is understood to have believed that Mr Key should be held to the same standards as personnel serving under him.
Mr Key was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016 before being made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 2021.
He had also been considered a contender to become the next Chief of the Defence Staff.
The removal of his honours marks the first time in the Royal Navy’s 500-year history that a First Sea Lord has faced scrutiny of this nature.
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People close to Mr Key previously said they were “shocked” by the allegations, while many female officers reportedly felt let down by his conduct.
Sources said Mr Key had sought to retire “quietly” after the alleged affair emerged. However, General Dame Sharon Nesmith, the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, and Defence Secretary John Healey insisted that an investigation should take place.
Mr Key is pictured with King Charles III during a meeting with military chiefs of staff at Buckingham Palace on September 17, 2022.
In March 2025, Mr Key appeared in Parliament to give evidence about the treatment of women in the armed forces and spoke about “unwelcome sexual behaviours”.
That same month, Mr Key gave oral evidence to Parliament on the treatment of women in the armed forces, including the issue of “unwelcome sexual behaviours”.
He told the defence select committee: ‘We are absolutely determined to create a Royal Navy in which people are judged for their professional conduct, welcomed for the contribution that they make, and accepted for who they are.
‘Behaviours that run counter to that will not be accepted, and particularly those around unwelcome sexual behaviours.
‘We have removed people from the service, including those who have commanded, where we have discovered that their behaviours were not appropriate, or we have removed people from positions of responsibility before situations have got out of hand.’
Mr Key was First Sea Lord from 2021 until May 2025, when he was succeeded by General Sir Gwyn Jenkins of the Royal Marines.
Educated at Bromsgrove School in Worcestershire, he joined the Navy in 1984 as a university cadet.
He qualified as both a helicopter aircrew and principal warfare officer, and as a junior officer saw service around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers.
His wife Elly previously told of the ‘burden’ being in the Navy can place on families.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: ‘The Royal Navy holds its personnel to the highest standards of conduct.
‘Any allegations of unacceptable behaviour are thoroughly investigated, and those found guilty will face serious consequences.
‘This includes referral to the Cabinet Office Forfeitures Committee for the withdrawal of state honours.’
