King Charles allows brother Andrew to keep war medal
What's the story
King Charles has decided to allow his brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, to keep his South Atlantic medal, aka the Falklands medal. The decision comes after the former Duke of York was stripped of all royal titles and honors, including the "prince" tag. The King had earlier stripped Andrew of his honorary vice-admiral rank in the Royal Navy, which he received on his 55th birthday in 2015.
Military background
Andrew's military service and medal details
Andrew served in the Royal Navy for 22 years, notably as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands War. His duties included acting as a decoy for Argentina's Exocet missiles. He was awarded the South Atlantic Medal with an additional rosette for his bravery. Buckingham Palace confirmed that operational medals are not honors and therefore cannot be taken away.
Medal debate
Public opinion divided on whether Andrew should keep his medals
Public opinion is divided on whether Andrew should keep his military honors. A YouGov poll found that 26% strongly supported taking away his medals, 10% somewhat supported it, 26% somewhat opposed it, 17% strongly opposed, and 22% were undecided. Falklands veterans have called it "morally indefensible" to take back a medal earned through active service. Simon Weston, a Falklands veteran, said stripping Andrew of the medal would trivialize its significance and insult those who served in the British armed forces.
Scandal fallout
Andrew stripped of military titles and patronages by Queen Elizabeth
Andrew was stripped of his military titles and patronages by Queen Elizabeth in January 2022 after his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He settled a lawsuit with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre out of court in February 2022. Royal biographer Andrew Lownie said losing his titles and "royal status" deeply affected Andrew, adding that he now lives a retired life focused on family activities like golf and watching television.