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 Duke of York was arrested and questioned on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, prompting calls from politicians for his removal.
Prince Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, despite relinquishing his royal titles in October following revelations about his links to Jeffrey Epstein. He also retains his position as a counsellor of state, although in practice only working royals are used for such duties.
Removing him from the succession would require an act of parliament and consultation with other Commonwealth realms. 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 shadow Scotland secretary Andrew Bowie told GB News it would be “the decent thing” for Andrew to be removed if found guilty, but stressed he has not yet been charged. Labour MP Rachael Maskell said it seemed likely parliament would need to act, while SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn also called for action. Labour MP Richard Burgon went further, calling for an independent inquiry into what the royal family knew and a debate on abolishing the monarchy.
Zack Polanski of the Green Party, which supports abolition, said Andrew’s case could hasten a national conversation about the monarchy.
