The Royal Navy suspended its chief after he confronted accusations of getting an affair with a subordinate officer.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, first sea lord of the Royal Navy, was ordered to step again from his function whereas the investigation was underway, the U.Ok.’s The Times reported Friday.
Key, a 59-year-old husband and a father of three, was appointed to the highest place in 2021, however he has served within the fleet for 40 years.
The primary sea lord is the skilled head of the Royal Navy and a member of the Defence Council, in response to Gov.UK.
Within the 5 centuries of the navy’s historical past, a primary sea lord has by no means undergone a misconduct inquiry.
“It’s surprising, actually surprising due to who he’s,” a high navy supply stated, in response to the U.Ok.’s The Sun. “Not simply because he’s First Sea Lord, however his status is a person of rules and morals.
“He is a well-liked First Sea Lord,” the supply stated.
In the actual world:
The top of the Royal Navy Adm Sir Ben Key has been faraway from his duties over allegations of misconduct
In the meantime in each TV police collection I now see, the starring senior feminine officer is having an affair with a junior officer – why embrace this garbage? pic.twitter.com/5adGOw1brK— Man within the Excessive Citadel (@mcelderrytruth) May 10, 2025
Key declined to remark throughout the ongoing investigation, in response to The Occasions.
Vice-Admiral Sir Martin Connell — the second sea lord — will take Key’s place quickly, till Normal Sir Gwyn Jenkins is anticipated to completely take his place.
This marks one other historic second as a result of Jenkins is a Royal Marine, making him the primary amphibious troop member to change into first sea lord, fairly than a sailor, in response to The Occasions.
The lady concerned within the alleged affair was reportedly a senior navy officer, in response to The Solar.
“I wouldn’t have referred to as him a swordsman or a sniffer. He wasn’t often known as a participant, and nothing stays secret within the Navy,” a navy supply stated about Key.
Key doubtless received’t be court-martialed as a result of the alleged affair isn’t against the law, however he would have damaged the “service check,” which forbids sexual interactions between superiors and their subordinates, in response to The Occasions.
“In principle Ben might nonetheless be court docket martialed for bringing the Navy into disrepute, however that appears most unlikely at this level,” an unnamed supply instructed The Solar. “He has served his commendably for over 40 years. The investigation remains to be ongoing. There isn’t any whiff of something felony.”
The controversy compelled the Royal Navy to cancel its annual Sea Energy Convention this upcoming Monday. Military company from throughout the globe have been imagined to attend.
“I’m utterly shocked,” a buddy of Key’s stated. “By way of integrity, operational document and the real affection and respect he has from the navy, he’s one of the best first sea lord in years. If he has made a mistake then it’s tragic however he deserves to be remembered for his operational document and never for this.”
Key joined the Royal Navy in 1984, in response to Gov.UK.
Since that point, he has commanded 4 ships: the mine hunter HMS Sandown, the frigates HMS Iron Duke and HMS Lancaster, and the plane service HMS Illustrious.
This text appeared initially on The Western Journal.
