Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is likely to maintain his position as eighth in line to the throne for at least another year, according to reports. The former prince, aged 66, is under police investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his role as a UK special envoy for trade. However, any move to remove him from the line of succession is expected to be delayed as Thames Valley Police expand their inquiry.
Wider Investigation
The Metropolitan Police is collaborating with US authorities to determine whether London airports were used to traffic girls on financier Jeffrey Epstein's private jet, the so-called "Lolita Express." As part of this investigation, Mountbatten-Windsor's former close protection officers are being questioned about his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor was forced to renounce his Duke of York title last year and was arrested on his 66th birthday in February before being released under investigation. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Political and Royal Support for Removal
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Buckingham Palace have indicated support for a plan to remove Andrew from the line of succession since his arrest. However, Downing Street will consult with other Commonwealth realms before any change can be implemented. Such a move would require an Act of Parliament and the consent of every country where Charles III is King.
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have indicated their consent, but the issue could spark broader debates in nations like Jamaica, which has expressed a desire to move away from the UK monarchy.
Potential Impact on Andrew's Daughters
Another topic under discussion is whether Andrew's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and their children would also be removed from the line of succession. Eugenie, Andrew's younger daughter, has announced she is expecting her third child, who would be 15th in line, pushing the Duke of Edinburgh down to 16th place.
Palace sources have indicated that King Charles would not stand in the way of a government move to ban Andrew from the line of succession, but they have avoided commenting directly on the King's brother.
Government Stance
Following Andrew's arrest, during which he was questioned for 11 hours, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones told the House of Commons: "The government are clear that we are not ruling out action in respect of the line of succession at this stage and we will consider whether any further steps are required in due course. It is vital, however, that we first allow the police to carry out their investigations."
Defence Minister Luke Pollard has stated that removing Andrew from the line of succession is "absolutely" the right thing to do, regardless of the outcome of the police investigation. He told BBC Radio 4 that the government has been working with Buckingham Palace to prevent Andrew from "potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne."
The last amendment to the line of succession occurred in 2013, ending the male primogeniture rule shortly before the birth of Prince George, the first child of Prince William and Princess Kate.
