An open letter, signed by 152 veterans of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army, has been sent to the Queen, calling on her to strip Prince Andrew of all his ranks and titles within the British armed forces.

The letter says Prince Andrew's position is "untenable" and that "were this any other senior military officer it is inconceivable that he would still be in post".

The letter goes on:

"We are therefore asking that you take immediate steps to strip Prince Andrew of all his military ranks and titles and, if necessary, that he be dishonourably discharged."

"We understand that he is your son, but we write to you in your capacity as head of state and as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Navy and Air Force. These steps could have been taken at any time in the past eleven years. Please do not leave it any longer."

Military regulations don't allow senior officers to sack Andrew, that has to come from the Queen.

Graham Smith of campaign group Republic, who helped coordinate the letter, said today:

"It is clear for all to see that Prince Andrew has been proven unfit to wear the uniform of any of Britain's armed forces. That he is able to continue in numerous roles within the military is a disgrace, and an insult to those who continue to serve with distinction."

"There is no excuse for allowing Andrew to continue to enjoy the status and prestige of these positions. The Queen needs to act now and strip him of all military ranks and titles."

"As the letter says, Prince Andrew has shown himself to be uncooperative and less than truthful about his relationship with Epstein. He made several unbelievable claims during his BBC interview in late 2019, which only led to him 'stepping back' but not stepping down"

"Regardless of the outcome of the Virginia Giuffre civil case in the US, Prince Andrew's conduct over the past eleven years has left his position untenable. He must now go."

Read the full letter