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ITV News
09-05-2025
- ITV News
Head of Royal Navy Ben Key suspended amid reports of ‘affair with subordinate'
The head of the Royal Navy has been suspended from his duties amid an investigation, which multiple reports said related to an alleged relationship with a subordinate. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed an investigation into 59-year-old First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Benjamin Key was 'ongoing'. The Sun and others reported on Friday that the probe relates to an allegation of an inappropriate relationship with a female officer under his command, in breach of the Navy's 'service test'. The Ministry of Defence did not deny the reports when contacted by ITV News. A MOD spokesperson said: 'An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.' Key had reportedly been expected to retire this summer, but it is understood he has been told to step back from his role while the investigation takes place. It is believed to be the first time in the Navy's 500-year history that its top officer has faced a misconduct inquiry. It is understood that the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, has taken full command of the Royal Navy while an investigation takes place. Last year in October, Key issued a f ull apology for 'intolerable' misogyny in the Submarine Service after investigations revealed widespread sexual harassment, bullying and abuse of female personnel. 'We must be better than this and do better than we have," he said in a statement. The married father of three, who has served in the Navy for 40 years, has been in his post as First Sea Lord since 2021. He became a vice admiral in 2016 and then served as fleet commander and chief of joint operations before being appointed First Sea Lord. Key has commanded four Royal Navy ships - HMS Sandown, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Lancaster and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. A veteran of the Iraq War, he was awarded the US Bronze Star and played a key role in the withdrawal from Afghanistan. As First Sea Lord, he also serves as chief of the naval staff and chairs the Navy Board, overseeing the force's effectiveness, efficiency and morale on behalf of the defence secretary.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Head of Royal Navy suspended pending investigation
The head of the Royal Navy has been suspended pending an investigation. Adm Sir Ben Key has been asked to 'step back' as first sea lord, sources at the MoD confirmed on Friday. Key was absent from the lineup of senior military personnel on the Mall on Monday for celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and it is understood that second sea lord V Adm Martin Connell has taken full charge until a permanent replacement is announced. Earlier this week the MoD said Key had departed for 'private reasons'. Key joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a university cadet, and graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London. As a junior officer he saw service around the world, after qualifying as helicopter aircrew and a principal warfare officer. He was made vice admiral in February 2016, before becoming the Royal Navy's fleet commander and later chief of joint operations until he was appointed first sea lord in 2021. Over his career, he has commanded four ships: the mine hunter HMS Sandown, the frigates HMS Iron Duke and HMS Lancaster, and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. An Iraq war veteran, prior to taking over the Navy Key was also awarded a US bronze star and oversaw the retreat from Afghanistan. In his current role, he is also chief of the naval staff and chair of the navy board, where he is responsible to the secretary of state for the fighting 'effectiveness, efficiency and morale' of the service. Key last year issued an unreserved apology for 'intolerable' misogyny in the Submarine Service, after a series of investigations across the navy exposed sexual harassment, bullying and assault of women within its ranks. The navy chief said he was 'truly sorry' to the women who had suffered 'misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours' while serving their country. 'We must be better than this and do better than we have,' he said. The MoD said on Friday: 'An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.'
