Former First Sea Lord Ben Key stripped of knighthood and CBE after affair finding

Ben Key, the former First Sea Lord, has been stripped of his knighthood and his CBE following an honours review. 1 2 In a statement on Thursday he said he had been told the outcome of the review "more than a year after stepping down", that he "fully accept[s] the outcome and the need for accountability", and that he "deeply regret[s] what happened and the impact my actions have had on others". 1 3 Key was suspended as First Sea Lord in May 2025 over claims of an affair with a junior female officer, and the Ministry of Defence said in July 2025 that the investigation had ended his service and commission. 1

The investigation found his behaviour had fallen far short of the values and standards expected; the Irish Independent says it lasted two months. 2 3 The matter reportedly came to light when the woman's husband filed a complaint, and Key was accused of breaking the "service test", which forbids sexual relationships between commanders and their subordinates. 3 GB News reported there was no suggestion of criminal behaviour and that the relationship was said to have been consensual. 3

Key is no longer an admiral but keeps his pension, according to the Daily Mail, which says he is the first First Sea Lord to have his service terminated. 1 He received the CBE in 2016 and was knighted in 2021 on becoming First Sea Lord, a post he held until May 2025, when General Sir Gwyn Jenkins succeeded him. 1 2 Admiral Tony Radakin, then head of the UK military, said at the time of the sacking that the behaviour was unacceptable and that action would be taken regardless of seniority. 2

The Daily Mail says insiders understand Key tried to retire quietly but that Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General Dame Sharon Nesmith and Defence Secretary John Healey insisted on an investigation. 1 Some colleagues have defended him: a senior female naval officer told The Times it was disappointing that a lifetime of service was disregarded over "one mistake", and General Sir Patrick Sanders told The Sun he would always admire and respect Key. 3 Key had publicly vowed to root out inappropriate sexual behaviour, and told MPs in March 2025 that the Navy had removed people from service for such conduct. 3 1

A Royal Navy spokesperson said allegations are thoroughly investigated and that those found guilty face serious consequences, including referral to the Cabinet Office Forfeitures Committee for withdrawal of state honours; the Irish Independent adds that only the monarch can strip honours, on the advice of the honours committee. 1 2