The UK government is weighing the possibility of introducing legislation that would formally remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew — from the royal line of succession, following his recent arrest and an intensifying police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
Andrew, who remains eighth in line to the throne, continues to be legally eligible to become King despite having been stripped of his princely titles and facing ongoing scrutiny over his long‑standing association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
On Friday (local time), police conducted a second search of Andrew’s former home, one day after his arrest and nearly 11 hours in custody. He was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office relating to claims that, while serving as a UK trade envoy, he shared sensitive information with Epstein.
Investigators are also questioning former members of his close protection unit, with the Metropolitan Police urging them to report anything they “saw or heard” that might assist in the inquiry into Epstein-linked activities. Police say the widening probe includes reviewing allegations involving flights connected to Epstein and the possible movement of trafficked individuals through UK airports.
Andrew, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, denies any wrongdoing in relation to his associations with Epstein.
Government reconsidering earlier stance on legislation
Until recently, the British government had argued that passing a law to alter the royal line of succession would not be an appropriate use of parliamentary time. However, that position has now shifted.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray confirmed that the government is reassessing the need for legislation and is “not ruling anything out,” though any formal action would only be taken once the police investigation has concluded.
The move would require an Act of Parliament, as well as agreement from the other Commonwealth realms where King Charles III is head of state — a process constitutional experts warn would be “really complicated.”
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said such matters were “purely for Parliament” and that the Palace would not interfere with any legislative process.
Public and political pressure increases
Public support for removing Andrew from the line of succession is significant. A YouGov poll conducted immediately after his arrest showed that 82% of respondents favour his removal.
Multiple senior politicians, including Defence Minister Luke Pollard, have indicated that preventing Andrew from being “a heartbeat away from the throne” is the right course of action, regardless of the investigation’s outcome. Pollard said the government and Buckingham Palace have been working together toward this end, though any formal steps must wait for the police process to finish.
Labour MP Rachael Maskell has also reiterated calls for Andrew to be stripped of all royal roles and responsibilities, saying the country must be left with “Andrew the citizen” — fully accountable under the law.
A rare and historic move
Removing a royal from the succession line through legislation would be highly unusual. The last comparable instance occurred in 1936, following the abdication of King Edward VIII.
With investigations deepening and political will shifting, Andrew’s position in the line of succession is now more uncertain than ever. The government is expected to decide its next steps once police complete their inquiry, signalling that a historic constitutional change may be on the horizon.
Why Former Prince Andrew Lost His Royal Titles
Former Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles after years of controversy driven by his close association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a series of damaging allegations. His friendship with Epstein — including evidence that he shared official trade documents while serving as a UK envoy — fuelled public and political pressure on the monarchy.
Andrew also faced sexual assault allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who said she was forced to have sex with him as a teenager. Although he denied the claims, he later settled the civil lawsuit out of court. These allegations, resurfaced repeatedly through legal filings and Giuffre’s later memoir, intensified scrutiny.
His credibility suffered further after a widely criticised 2019 BBC interview, which led him to step back from public duties. As pressure mounted to protect the Crown’s reputation, King Charles III initiated a formal process to remove Andrew’s remaining titles, styles, honours, and royal privileges. He was also required to leave his long‑time residence at Royal Lodge.
Despite denying wrongdoing, Andrew’s continued ties to Epstein, conflicting accounts about their relationship, and the gravity of the accusations ultimately led Buckingham Palace to conclude that revoking his princehood was necessary to safeguard the monarchy’s integrity
