Former head of Navy stripped of knighthood a year after being sacked
Ben Key was sacked in July 2025 following claims he had an affair with a female subordinate
Last updated 1st Oct 2026
The former head of the Royal Navy has been stripped of his knighthood and CBE a year after he was sacked following claims he had an affair with a female subordinate.
Ben Key, from Rugby, was suspended from his role as first sea lord in May 2025, and a subsequent investigation found he fell “far short of the values and standards expected”.
The full investigation resulted in the termination of his service and commission, the Ministry of Defence said in July 2025.
He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 2021.
Now he has been stripped of his honours.
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, Mr Key joined the Navy in 1984 as a university cadet.
He qualified as both helicopter aircrew and as a principal warfare officer, and as a junior officer saw service around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers.
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.”