Former First Sea Lord stripped of knighthood after affair scandal and honour review

Ben Key, who served as First Sea Lord from 2021 until his suspension in May 2025, has had his knighthood (KCB) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) revoked after an investigation found his affair with a junior female officer violated the service’s strict conduct rules. The probe was launched after the officer’s non-serving husband lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Defence. The MoD terminated Key’s service and commission, making him the first Sea Lord in the Royal Navy’s 500-year history to be dismissed, though he will continue to receive his pension.

In a statement, Key accepted the outcome, apologized for the impact of his actions, and thanked his family for support. The case was referred to the Cabinet Office Forfeitures Committee, and senior defence figures, including General Dame Sharon Nesmith and Defence Secretary John Healey, insisted on a full inquiry. Key had previously been considered for the role of Chief of Defence Staff and had testified to Parliament on women’s issues in the armed forces earlier in 2025.