Former Royal Navy head sacked after investigation finds his behaviour fell 'far short'
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched an investigation into Admiral Sir Ben Key after he was reportedly suspended as First Sea Lord in May, over an alleged affair with a female subordinate.
The MoD confirmed that Admiral Sir Ben's service with the Royal Navy had now been terminated.
Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: "We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our service personnel and our civil servants."We investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and will take robust action against anyone found to have fallen short of our standards, regardless of their seniority."
Admiral Sir Ben Key said: "Serving as First Sea Lord has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I pay tribute to the dedicated and professional officers, sailors, Royal Marines and civil servants who make up the Royal Navy."I deeply regret my conduct in the spring of last year, which fell well below the standard I set for myself and that which I set for the Royal Navy. As such, I fully accept the decision of the Defence Council.
"I am very sorry to those I have hurt personally, and I apologise to everyone who serves with the Royal Navy.
"Finally, I am very grateful for the support of my wife, family and friends during a very difficult time."
Admiral Sir Ben joined the Navy in 1984 and saw action in Kosovo and Iraq.
He had command of a number of military vessels before becoming commanding officer of the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious in 2009.
In August 2021, he took charge of the UK's evacuation efforts in Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, before becoming First Sea Lord in November 2021, until his suspension in May 2025.
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