**King Charles Will Not Strip Brother Andrew of Falklands War Medal**
It has been revealed that King Charles will not strip his brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, of his Falklands War campaign medal. According to *The Telegraph*, John Healey, the Defence Secretary, confirmed on Sunday that the Government would remove Andrew’s honorary rank of vice admiral—his “last remaining title.”
The publication added that John Healey would not comment on whether Andrew would be able to keep his medals, stating that the Ministry of Defence would be “guided by the decisions the King makes.” However, that decision has now been made. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Andrew’s Falklands medal will be retained alongside all his operational service medals.
Andrew was awarded the South Atlantic Medal, commonly known as the Falklands Medal, with an additional rosette for his actions during the conflict.
**Falklands Veteran Speaks Out**
Simon Weston, a Falklands veteran who was severely burned when his troop transport, RFA Sir Galahad, was attacked during the war, told the publication:
“He has lost all other aspects of dignity, respect, and honour he was ever once shown. But the one thing you cannot strip away from the man—no matter how vindictive, vicious or virtue-signalling you want to be—is that moment in his life where he was dignified, honourable and courageous. What gives the Government a right to even consider stealing someone’s property? He earned this. He paid for it with time and sacrifice. How dare you think you can take this from him.”
**What Is Being Taken Away from Andrew?**
As revealed in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Andrew has lost his royal title as well as his home, Royal Lodge. He and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, have been asked to vacate the residence. Andrew will now relocate to Norfolk, on the Sandringham estate.
However, there is a long list of items that will not accompany Andrew to his new home, including a collection of historical artworks and other priceless artefacts, which will be returned to the Royal Collection Trust.
Among the most memorable items is one headline-making ancient sword, linked to a public ruse involving Princess Beatrice.
**The Royal Lodge Sword Incident**
Back in 2016, reports emerged that Princess Beatrice was behind a scar on British singer Ed Sheeran’s face. The story claimed she used the aforementioned ancient sword to pretend to “knight” the British singer Sir James Blunt at a party held at Royal Lodge, before he was actually knighted. During the mock ceremony, Beatrice allegedly cut Ed Sheeran’s face, who was standing behind Blunt.
However, James Blunt later revealed that the story was a complete fabrication. Speaking to *Shortlist*, he said:
“Ed was drunk, messing around and he cut himself. We made a fancy story up; people fell for it. It was very embarrassing.”
When asked how much of the story was invented, Blunt replied:
“All of it. Apart from the actual scar. It’s bizarre that people fell for it.”
He added jokingly:
“I blame him. He must be desperate, he’s trying to sell records. He cut himself and I just patched him up. It’s made him look prettier.”
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This development marks a significant change for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, as he adjusts to his new life without royal titles and residences, but retains the honour of his military service recognitions.
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/865848/king-charles-andrew-mountbatten-winsdor-surprising-item/
