UK Navy’s dubious first in 500 years, Admiral Ben Key sacked for sex with subordinate

Admiral Sir Ben Key, the former First Sea Lord and head of the Royal Navy, has been dismissed from service following a misconduct inquiry into an extramarital affair with a subordinate officer. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that he has lost his rank but will retain his pension. The sacking marks the first time in 500 years that a First Sea Lord has faced dismissal due to misconduct.

Sir Ben, 59, was suspended in May 2025 after allegations emerged of a relationship with a female subordinate. The complaint reportedly came from the officer’s husband and invited a formal investigation.

In a statement, the MoD said, “Following a full investigation, Admiral Sir Ben Key’s behaviour has been found to have fallen far short of the values and standards expected of service personnel. This has resulted in the termination of service and his commission.”

A distinguished naval career ends in disgrace

Sir Ben joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a university cadet. Over the years, he qualified as a helicopter aircrew and a Principal Warfare Officer.

He commanded several vessels, including HMS Sandown, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Lancaster, and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.

He rose to First Sea Lord in 2021. He led major operations including 'Operation Pitting', the UK’s evacuation from Afghanistan, and 'Operation Prosperity Guardian' to protect maritime routes in the Red Sea. In 2016, he was knighted and awarded the KCB (Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath).

Sir Ben was scheduled to retire this summer before the inquiry disrupted his plans. He has been the head of the Royal Navy since 2021.


In recorded history, a similar incident was in December 1917 when Admiral of the Fleet John Jellicoe was dismissed (asked to resign) from his position, though that was as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, not First Sea Lord.

Personal statement and apology

In a statement after his dismissal, Sir Ben said: “Serving as First Sea Lord has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I pay tribute to the dedicated and professional officers, sailors, Royal Marines and civil servants who make up the Royal Navy.”

He sincerely regretted his actions from the previous spring, stating that they did not meet the standards he held for himself or for the Royal Navy. Consequently, he fully accepted the decision of the Defence Council.

Apologizing to his close ones, he said, “I am very sorry to those I have hurt personally, and I apologise to everyone who serves with the Royal Navy. I am very grateful for the support of my wife, family, and friends during a very difficult time.”