The head of the Royal Navy has been suspended over allegations of having a secret affair with a female subordinate officer.
Admiral Sir Ben Key was forced to "step back" as First Sea Lord, sending shockwaves through the Navy.
The married father-of-three is suspected of breaking the Navy's strict "service test" rules.
A top Navy source told The Sun: "It is shocking - really shocking - because of who he is."
A top Navy source said: 'It is shocking - really shocking - because of who he is'
PA
It is the first time in the Navy's 500-year history that its chief has faced a misconduct probe.
The last time an admiral faced a court martial was in 1757 when John Byng was convicted and executed by firing squad for "failing to do his utmost" in battle against the French.
It is understood that Admiral Key, 59, is unlikely to face a court martial as his alleged affair is not a crime.
Key is suspected of violating the Navy's "service test" - which effectively prohibits sexual relationships between commanders and subordinates.
The Armed Forces also ban actions that could risk or damage comrades' marriages.
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"He is under investigation over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a female officer under his command," a source said.
The woman involved is reportedly a senior military officer, but junior to Admiral Key.
Everyone in the Navy, both military and civilian, is under Admiral Key's command.
Admiral Key was appointed First Sea Lord in 2021 and has repeatedly vowed to "root out" unacceptable sexual behaviour. Just 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."
He joined the Navy as a cadet in 1984 and commanded two frigates, a minehunter and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.
The probe is being led by Vice Chief of Defence Staff, General Dame Sharon Nesmith, who is the same rank as Admiral Key.
The process is known as "administrative action" - similar to a disciplinary process.
PICTURED: Lieutenant General Dame Sharon Nesmith is made a Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. Nesmith is leading the probe into Admiral Sir Ben Key
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Maximum penalties could include a reduction in rank and dismissal.
Government sources told GB News that Admiral Key has been told to step back from all duties while the investigation is ongoing.
His sudden suspension forced the Navy to cancel its flagship annual Sea Power Conference.
The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, has taken full command of the Royal Navy during this time.
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."
An MoD spokesman said: "An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time."
