Overview
- The Cabinet Office Forfeitures Committee announced on Thursday that it has revoked Ben Key’s Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) and his CBE following its review of the case.
- The honours decision follows an MoD investigation that led to Key’s suspension as First Sea Lord in May 2025 and the termination of his service and commission in July 2025 for breaching the Navy’s 'service test'.
- Reporting says the probe focused on an alleged consensual relationship with a junior officer that was raised with the MoD after a complaint from the officer’s non‑serving husband, and no criminal charges were reported.
- Key issued a public statement accepting the outcome, saying he deeply regretted what happened and acknowledging the need for accountability from senior leaders.
- The move is uncommon and symbolic: removal of high‑level honours is rare, the sacking of a First Sea Lord is highly unusual, and reporting says Key will nevertheless continue to receive his pension despite losing rank and awards.