'Reason' Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is allowed to keep Falklands War medal
Andrew recently lost his royal titlesAndrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, will reportedly be allowed to keep his Falklands War medal.
Last week, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew”.
They also confirmed that the king’s younger brother would now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
The announcement came as Andrew, 65, has faced much scrutiny over the years for his association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
He was also accused of sexual assault. Virginia Giuffre alleged she was made to have sex with the royal in the early 2000s when she was 17, after being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations.
Andrew loses prince and royal titles
Due to the controversy surrounding him, Andrew has lost his prince title, his Duke of York title, and other honours including his Order of the Garter membership.
The palace also confirmed he will move out of his 30-room Windsor home, Royal Lodge. It’s believed he’ll move to the Sandringham Estate.
In January 2022, Andrew had lost his military affiliations and royal patronages. However, he retained his rank as a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy.
The move came as Ms Giuffre, who took her own life in April, sued him in a US civil lawsuit, accusing him of sexual assault.
They reached an out-of-court settlement in February 2022 for an undisclosed sum. The royal repeated that the settlement did not mean any liability or admission of guilt.
However, recent reports claimed that Andrew would be stripped of his honorary rank of vice admiral.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to keep Falklands War medal
Now, according to The Telegraph, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Andrew will be allowed to keep his Falklands War medal alongside all operational service medals.
Andrew spent 22 years in the Royal Navy and served in the Falklands War in 1982.
Falklands veterans have said it would be “morally indefensible” to take a medal earned through service.
Simon Weston told The Telegraph: “He has lost all other aspects of dignity, respect and honour he was ever once shown.
Read more: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s next move ‘revealed’ ahead of moving to new home
“But the one thing you cannot strip away from the man no matter how vindictive, vicious or virtue-signalling you want to be is that moment in his life where he was dignified, honourable and courageous.
“What gives the Government a right to even consider stealing someone’s property? He earned this. He paid for it with time and sacrifice. How dare you think you can take this from him.”
Simon was severely burned when his troop transport RFA Sir Galahad was attacked during the Falklands conflict.
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