Government considers removing Andrew from royal line of succession

National Press Corporatio(NPC)
United Kingdom—The government is considering introducing legislation that would remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession, a move that would permanently prevent him from becoming King.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard told the BBC the proposal would be “the right thing to do”, but stressed that any decision should follow the conclusion of the current police investigation.

Andrew, the brother of Charles III, is currently eighth in line to the throne, despite having been stripped of his royal titles last year amid scrutiny over his links to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.

On Thursday evening, Andrew was released under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions, Mr Pollard confirmed the government had been working with Buckingham Palace on proposals to prevent Andrew from “potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne”. He said he hoped the move would attract cross-party support, but added it would be appropriate to wait until police inquiries are complete.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said changes to the succession would be “complicated” and emphasised the need for the investigation to “play out”.

Police activity has continued at Royal Lodge in Windsor, where Andrew has lived for many years. Thames Valley Police is expected to continue searches at the property until Monday, while other UK forces are also assessing whether to open related inquiries.

The proposal follows growing political pressure. The Liberal Democrats and the SNP have indicated support for legislation, while some Labour MPs have questioned whether the move is necessary, citing the unlikelihood of Andrew ascending the throne.

Any change to the line of succession would require an Act of Parliament and the approval of all 14 Commonwealth realms where the King is head of state, including Canada, Australia, Jamaica and New Zealand.

The last major reform of the succession was made in 2013, while the last removal by Act of Parliament occurred in 1936, following the abdication of Edward VIII.

Buckingham Palace has not publicly commented on the government’s considerations.