The UK government is considering legislation that could remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession, a move that would permanently block the king’s younger brother from ever ascending the throne, according to multiple media reports.
Andrew is under investigation for his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein. He is alleged to have passed confidential government information to Epstein.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE UNLIKELY TO RESIST
Citing royal sources, The Guardian reported that Buckingham Palace would not oppose parliamentary action if lawmakers decide to push ahead with the change. King Charles would not stand in the way of legislation designed to ensure Andrew cannot become monarch, the report mentioned.
Andrew, 66, remains eighth in line to the throne despite having been stripped of his royal titles and stepping back from official duties. The development comes days after he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Andrew remains in the royal line of succession primarily because no law has yet been passed to remove him. The order of succession to the British throne is determined by statute, and changes to titles or royal duties do not automatically affect a person’s place in that order.
Although Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and stepped back from public duties, he has not been legally disqualified under the existing succession rules. As things stand, the current laws governing the monarchy still include him in the line.
UK GOVT SIGNALS SUPPORT
Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the government had “absolutely” been working with the palace on plans to prevent Andrew from being “potentially a heartbeat away from the throne,” the BBC reported. Pollard said he hoped any move would secure cross-party backing but stressed action should follow the conclusion of the police investigation.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray also said the government was “considering any further steps that might be required” but warned it would be inappropriate to go further while the investigation is ongoing, according to the BBC.
CNN similarly reported that lawmakers are expected to examine the issue once police complete their probe.
ARREST AND ONGOING PROBE
Andrew was questioned by Thames Valley Police for about 11 hours on Thursday before being released under investigation. Authorities are examining allegations that he passed confidential UK government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy.
Police searches at his former Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, are continuing, with officers reviewing items seized from the property, The Guardian and BBC reported.
Andrew has previously and consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein.
LEGAL HURDLES
Any removal from the line of succession would require fresh legislation passed by both houses of the UK Parliament and approved by the king through royal assent. It would also need backing from the 14 Commonwealth realms where Charles III is head of state.
The last major change to the succession rules came through the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, while the last removal by legislation dates back to 1936 following Edward VIII’s abdication.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said his party would support legislation to remove Andrew, calling any potential accession “intolerable,” according to The Guardian. The SNP and some Labour MPs have also indicated support, the BBC reported, though some parliamentarians questioned whether the move is necessary given Andrew’s distant place in the succession.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Police have yet to seek formal early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, meaning any charging decision could take months. If charged and convicted of misconduct in public office, a common law offence that can carry a maximum life sentence, Andrew would face trial in the Crown Court, Reuters reported.
For now, officials say the focus remains on the ongoing investigation, after which Parliament is expected to decide whether to move forward with changes to the royal succession.
