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The head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Ben Key, has been sacked following reports of an alleged affair with a subordinate. Key was suspended last month after allegations surfaced alleging that he had an affair with a married, junior female colleague.

An investigation found his behaviour fell "far short of the values and standards expected", resulting in the termination of his service and commission, the Ministry of Defence said. Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin added: "We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our Service Personnel and our Civil Servants. We investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and will take robust action against anyone found to have fallen short of our standards, regardless of their seniority."

Admiral 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."

"I deeply regret my conduct in the spring of last year, which fell well below the standard I set for myself and that which I set for the Royal Navy.

"As such, I fully accept the decision of the Defence Council. I am very sorry to those I have hurt personally, and I apologise to everyone who serves with the Royal Navy."

Key had been due to retire from his position this summer, after serving as the head of the Royal Navy since 2021, meaning that the search for his successor was already underway.

He also said: "I am very sorry to those I have hurt personally, and I apologise to everyone who serves with the Royal Navy.

"Finally, I am very grateful for the support of my wife, family and friends during a very difficult time."

Last month, Royal Marines General Sir Gwyn Jenkins was appointed to the role by Defence Secretary John Healey, becoming the first non-sailor to lead the military's senior service.

Admiral Sir Ben joined the forces in 1984 where he trained as a Principal Warfare Officer and saw service as a junior officer around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers.

He was awarded the US Bronze Star in 2006 for his service in Baghdad and was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 2021.