The Royal Navy suspended its leader after he faced accusations of having an affair with a subordinate officer.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, first sea lord of the Royal Navy, was ordered to step back from his role while the investigation was underway, the U.K.’s The Times reported Friday.
Key, a 59-year-old husband and a father of three, was appointed to the top position in 2021, but he has served in the fleet for 40 years.
The first sea lord is the professional head of the Royal Navy and a member of the Defence Council, according to Gov.UK.
In the five centuries of the navy’s history, a first sea lord has never undergone a misconduct inquiry.
“It is shocking, really shocking because of who he is,” a top navy source said, according to the U.K.’s The Sun. “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 source said.
In the real world:
The head of the Royal Navy Adm Sir Ben Key has been removed from his duties over allegations of misconduct
Meanwhile in every TV police series I now see, the starring senior