The government is prepared to consider legislation to strip Prince Andrew of his place in the line of succession once any police investigation has concluded, according to sources. The move follows calls from several politicians after the Duke of York was arrested and questioned on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, despite relinquishing his royal titles in October after renewed scrutiny of his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This status also makes him a counsellor of state, though in practice only working royals are called upon to deputise for the monarch.
Removing a royal from the succession requires an act of parliament and consultation with other Commonwealth realms. Sources indicate firm plans exist to proceed after the police investigation ends. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said: “The most important thing right now is that the police be allowed to get on with their job. But clearly this is an issue that parliament is going to have to consider when the time is right.”
Conservative MP Andrew Bowie told GB News that removal would be “the decent thing” if Andrew is found guilty, but cautioned that he has not yet been charged. Labour’s Rachael Maskell stated: “From the evidence already held in the public domain, it is clear that his position as a counsellor of state and with succession rights are removed.”
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn also called for action to prevent any risk of Andrew becoming head of state. Meanwhile, Labour MP Richard Burgon demanded an independent inquiry into what the royal family knew about Andrew’s Epstein links, and Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski suggested the case could hasten a national debate on abolishing the monarchy.
