Royal Navy First Sea Lord Dismissed for Affair

Admiral Sir Ben Key, the former First Sea Lord and head of the Royal Navy, has been dismissed and stripped of his rank and commission after an investigation found he had an inappropriate affair with a subordinate female officer, violating Royal Navy rules. The affair was revealed when the officer's husband reported it to Ministry of Defence officials, leading to a formal inquiry. Sir Ben Key, who had publicly advocated for high standards in the Navy, expressed deep regret and apologized. The Ministry of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff stressed that all personnel are subject to the highest standards regardless of rank. This is the first time in the Royal Navy's 500-year history that a First Sea Lord has been disciplined in this way. Despite his dismissal, Key will retain his pension.