Sacked former First Sea Lord loses admiral rank but not pension, Ministry of Defence says

Sir Ben Key, the former head of the Royal Navy, will lose his rank but keep his pension, according to the MOD.

The service of the former First Sea Lord has ended in disgrace after an investigation found he fell "far short of the values and standards expected".

Sir Ben, 59, was reportedly suspended from his role leading the Navy in May over claims he had an affair with a female subordinate.

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"Following a full investigation, Admiral Sir Ben Key's behaviour has been found to have fallen far short of values and standards expected of service personnel," an MOD statement said.

"This has resulted in termination of service and his commission."

Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said: "We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our service personnel and our civil servants.

"We investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and will take robust action against anyone found to have fallen short of our standards, regardless of their seniority."

After the MOD confirmed his sacking, Sir Ben made a statement, saying: "Serving as First Sea Lord has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I pay tribute to the dedicated and professional officers, sailors, Royal Marines and civil servants who make up the Royal Navy.

"I deeply regret my conduct in the spring of last year, which fell well below the standard I set for myself and that which I set for the Royal Navy. As such, I fully accept the decision of the Defence Council.

"I am very sorry to those I have hurt personally, and I apologise to everyone who serves with the Royal Navy.

"Finally, I am very grateful for the support of my wife, family and friends during a very difficult time."

Sir Ben first joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a university cadet.

The married father of three went on to qualify as both helicopter aircrew and a Principal Warfare Officer.

He has commanded four ships, including the mine hunter HMS Sandown, the frigates HMS Iron Duke and Lancaster, and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.

Sir Ben was due to retire from his position this summer, after serving as the head of the Royal Navy since 2021.

The First Sea Lord is the professional head of the Royal Navy and a member of the Defence Council.