THE head of the Royal Navy has been suspended over claims he had a secret affair with a comrade.
Admiral Sir Ben Key was forced to “step back”; as First Sea Lord sending shockwaves through the Navy.
It is the first time the Navy’s 500 year that its chief has faced a misconduct probe.
A top Navy source said: “It is shocking, really shocking because of who he is.
“Not just because he is First Sea Lord, but his reputation is a man of principles and morals.
“He is a popular First Sea Lord.”;
The last time an admiral faced a martial was in 1757 when Admiral John Byng was convicted and executed by firing squad for “failing to do his utmost”; in battle against the French.
The Sun understands Adm Key, 59, is unlikely face a court martial as his alleged affair is not a .
But the married dad-of-three is suspected of breaking Navy’s strict “service test”; which effectively outlaws sexual between commanders and their subordinates.
The Armed Forces are also banned from actions that could risk or wreck comrades’ marriages.
A source said: “He is under over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a female officer under his command.”;
He was due to stand down in the when Royal Marine General Gwyn Jenkins takes over.
But The Sun understands Adm Key was prevented from resigning early to allow the investigation to run its course.
The probe is being led by the Vice Chief of Defence Staff, General Dame Sharon Nesmith – who is the same rank as Adm Key.
The military are normally investigated by more seniors officers, but the only officer more senior than Adm Key is the Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
The process is known as “administrative action”; – akin a disciplinary process – but the maximum penalties include a reduction in rank and dismissal.
A source said: “In theory Ben could still be court martialled for bringing the Navy into disrepute, but that seems very unlikely at this point.
“He has served his commendably for over 40 years. The investigation is still ongoing. There is no whiff of anything criminal.”;
The Sun understands the woman in the relationship is a senior military officer – but junior to Adm Key.
Everyone in the Navy, both military and civilian, is under Adm Key’s command.
A Navy source said they were stunned by the claims, adding: “I wouldn’t have called him a swordsman or a sniffer. He wasn’t known as a player, and nothing stays secret in the Navy.”;
Adm Key was appointed First Sea Lord in 2021 and has repeatedly vowed to “root out”; unacceptable sexual behaviour.
Last year he declared “zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviours”;.
In 2022 he said: “Those who do not wish to serve in accordance with the values and standards of life in the United Kingdom’s armed forces will be removed.
“There is no place for you.”;
He joined the Navy as a in 1984 and commanded two frigates, a minehunter and the aircraft carrer HMS Illustrious.
The veteran was awarded a US Bronze Star and oversaw the retreat from Afghanistan, codenamed Operation Pitting, immediately before taking over the Navy.
His sudden suspension last week forced the Navy to cancel its flagship annual Sea Power Conference, which was due to start on Monday with military guests from all over the world.
In his current post he is also Chief of the Naval Staff and Chair of the Navy Board in charge of “fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale”;.
And as one of the country’s six joint chiefs he supported “the management and direction of the whole Armed Forces”;.
The Navy lists integrity as one of its six core values. It says: “Integrity is that quality of an individual’s character that encompasses honesty, sincerity, reliability and unselfishness.
“It is an essential requirement of both leadership and comradeship. Unless we maintain our integrity, others will not trust us and teamwork will suffer.”;
The Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell has assumed command pending the outcome of the investigation.
An MoD spokesperson said: “An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”;
