Government considers removing Andrew from royal line of succession
The UK government is considering legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession, a move that would prevent him from ever becoming King. Defence Minister Luke Pollard told the BBC the action would be “the right thing to do,” regardless of the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.
Andrew, the King’s brother, remains eighth in line to the throne despite being stripped of his titles, including “prince,” last October amid scrutiny over his ties to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. He was released under investigation on Thursday after an 11-hour detention on suspicion of misconduct in public office and has denied any wrongdoing.
Pollard confirmed the government is working with Buckingham Palace on plans to prevent Andrew from “potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne,” but emphasised that any action would follow the conclusion of the police investigation. Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said the live investigation must “play out” before any decisions are made.
Police activity continues at Andrew’s former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, with searches expected to continue until Monday. Other UK police forces are also considering investigations, though these could take “considerable time,” according to former adviser Danny Shaw.
Some MPs, including those from the Liberal Democrats and SNP, support legislation to remove Andrew from succession, while some Labour parliamentarians are less convinced, noting it is unlikely he would ascend to the throne. The last change to the line of succession by Parliament was in 2013, and the last removal of an individual occurred in 1936 following Edward VIII’s abdication.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Parliament would have to consider the matter at the right time, while SNP leader Stephen Flynn confirmed party support if legislation is required. Labour MP Rachael Maskell also backed removal from the line of succession and from the role of counsellor of state.
Royal commentators noted that King Charles III and Queen Camilla would approach the issue separately from family bonds, focusing on official duties. Counsellors of state can stand in for a monarch when necessary, and removing Andrew would also strip him of this role.
Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019 following backlash from a BBC interview about his relationship with Epstein. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch emphasised the need to allow the police investigation to proceed without interference.
Credit: BBC
