The government is expected to consider legislation to remove Prince Andrew from the line of succession once any police investigation has concluded, it has been reported. The move follows the former prince's arrest and questioning by detectives on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, despite relinquishing his royal titles in October after new information emerged about his links to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and child sex offender. This means he is still a counsellor of state, though in practice only working royals are used to fill in for the monarch.
Removing him from the succession would require an act of parliament, as well as consultation with other countries that share the monarchy. Sources indicate there are firm plans for this to happen after the investigation is complete.
Several politicians have called for action. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said parliament would need to consider the issue when the time is right. Conservative MP Andrew Bowie told GB News it would be 'the decent thing' for Andrew to be removed if found guilty. Labour MP Rachael Maskell said legislation should be passed to remove his rights, while the SNP's Stephen Flynn called for action to prevent any risk of Andrew becoming head of state.
Some MPs have gone further. Labour's Richard Burgon called for an independent inquiry into what the royal family knew about Andrew's links to Epstein, and the Green Party's Zack Polanski suggested the case could hasten a national debate on abolishing the monarchy.
