Admiral Ben Key, the former head of the Royal Navy, has been dismissed from service and stripped of his commission following revelations of an extramarital affair with a female subordinate, sparking a major scandal within the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The married 59-year-old admiral, once heralded as a reformer determined to tackle misconduct in the armed forces, has faced a fall from grace after a complaint lodged by the woman’s husband triggered a formal investigation.
According to the MoD, Key’s conduct was found to be “well below the standards expected” of senior military personnel.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Key’s superior, reinforced the armed forces’ zero-tolerance approach:
“We expect the highest standards of behaviour from all personnel. Allegations of inappropriate conduct are investigated thoroughly, and decisive action is taken regardless of rank.”
In a public statement, Key admitted wrongdoing: “I deeply regret my conduct in the spring of last year, which fell well short of the standard I set for myself and for the Royal Navy.”
He accepted the Defence Council’s decision to terminate his commission and expressed remorse to those affected.
Key had been suspended from his duties in May during the course of the inquiry. His departure has sent shockwaves through the Royal Navy, particularly given his recent pledges to crack down on sexual misconduct and bullying in the ranks.
Just months prior, Admiral Key had addressed the Defence Select Committee, vowing to stamp out inappropriate behaviour and promote professionalism across the service:
“Behaviours that undermine our standards—especially unwanted sexual conduct—will not be tolerated.”
The situation is particularly ironic in light of Key’s previous apology regarding widespread misogyny and sexual harassment in the submarine service, where he had said he was “truly sorry” to the women subjected to abuse.
One whistleblower, Sophie Brook, revealed in 2022 that she had endured prolonged sexual harassment during her naval service, leading to severe emotional distress.
Women continue to be underrepresented in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, comprising only 11.3% of personnel as of April—less than the military-wide average of 11.9%.
Admiral Key, who joined the Royal Navy in 1984 and was appointed First Sea Lord in 2021, leaves behind a tarnished legacy.
He has been succeeded by General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, a decorated former Royal Marine and UK Special Forces commander.
This latest Royal Navy scandal underscores ongoing challenges facing the UK armed forces, particularly in confronting deeply embedded issues around military misconduct, gender discrimination, and abuse of power.
