Ben Key stripped of knighthood and CBE after affair investigation
Former Royal Navy chief Ben Key has been stripped of his knighthood and CBE after an investigation into claims he had an affair with a junior female officer. The Ministry of Defence said his conduct fell far short of expected standards, leading to the termination of his service and commission.
Key was suspended as First Sea Lord in May 2025 and left the role later that year; he remains entitled to his pension but is no longer an admiral. He accepted the honours review’s decision and said he regretted what happened and its impact on others. Key received a CBE in 2016 and a knighthood in 2021, and the case followed a complaint to the MoD reportedly made by the officer’s husband.
- Ben Key has lost his knighthood and CBE.
- An MoD investigation found his conduct fell short of expected standards.
- His service and commission were terminated in 2025.
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Ben Key was the First Sea Lord, the most senior officer in the Royal Navy. A knighthood and CBE (Commander of the British Empire) are prestigious honours awarded to recognise distinguished service, and their removal is a significant disgrace.
The investigation centred on claims that Key had an affair with a junior female officer under his command. The Ministry of Defence concluded that his conduct fell far short of the standards expected of senior military leaders.
Key was suspended from his position in May 2025 and subsequently left the Navy. He retains his military pension and has accepted the honours review's decision, expressing regret for what occurred.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘Love cheat’ Navy chief who had an affair with a junior female officer has been stripped of his knighthood”.