UK Royal Navy chief resigns amid affair allegations with subordinate

Admiral Sir Ben Key, the head of the UK Royal Navy, has stepped down following allegations of an affair with a female colleague under his command.

The 59-year-old Admiral, who has served over four decades in the Navy, is temporarily relinquishing all duties while the Ministry of Defence (MoD) conducts an investigation into the alleged extramarital relationship, Caliber.Az reports, referencing British media.

A source within the Royal Navy stated that the relationship was consensual but described the situation as "disappointing," given Sir Ben's esteemed position within the Armed Forces. Sir Ben is married with three children.

While Sir Ben had already announced his planned retirement as First Sea Lord this summer, his sudden departure earlier this week raised questions among defence sources. Some initially speculated that health concerns could have contributed to his resignation, but the Ministry of Defence confirmed that Sir Ben had stepped down for "private" reasons without offering further details.

Previously, Sir Ben had been considered a strong contender for the next Chief of the Defence Staff. However, when news of his abrupt resignation broke, it was reported that a senior Navy source had hinted he had "stared down the bottom of the barrel and doesn’t like what he sees."

Two months prior, Sir Ben had publicly condemned inappropriate relationships within the military during a parliamentary defence committee meeting, emphasising the Royal Navy’s commitment to professionalism and respect. At the time, he said: “We are absolutely determined to create a Royal Navy in which people are judged for their professional conduct... Behaviours that run counter to that will not be accepted.” He also stated that individuals found guilty of inappropriate behaviour, including commanders, had been removed from their posts.

Sir Ben’s departure comes during a crucial period for the Navy, with the Carrier Strike Group weeks into its eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific as part of Operation Highmast.

The deployment is of huge strategic importance as HMS Prince of Wales will also have to decide whether to transit the contentious Taiwan Strait. The aircraft carrier may also engage in action against the Houthis in the Red Sea.

Vice-Admiral Sir Martin Connell, the Second Sea Lord, was promoted to First Sea Lord in Sir Ben’s absence and will now be one of the chiefs leading on decisions surrounding the Carrier Strike Group. He will work with Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, as well as Nato counterparts, throughout the deployment.

Any decisions that involve combat will be made by the Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister.

By Tamilla Hasanova