The UK government is reportedly considering legislation that could remove Prince Andrew, legally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, from the royal line of succession, a move that would permanently prevent the king’s younger brother from ever ascending the British throne. The proposal comes amid an ongoing police investigation into allegations linked to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Andrew, 66, currently remains eighth in line to the throne despite having stepped back from royal duties and being stripped of his honorary military roles and royal patronages in recent years. According to multiple media reports, discussions are underway within government circles about legal mechanisms that could formally exclude him from succession if Parliament chooses to act.
Reports citing royal sources indicate that Buckingham Palace would be unlikely to oppose such legislation. King Charles III is not expected to resist parliamentary action if lawmakers decide that legal changes are necessary to ensure Andrew cannot become monarch.
Government officials have acknowledged that discussions are taking place. Defence Minister Luke Pollard said authorities had been working with the palace on measures to address concerns about Andrew’s position in the succession, though he stressed that any action should follow the conclusion of the ongoing police investigation. Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray similarly noted that potential next steps were being examined but said it would be inappropriate to proceed while the inquiry remains active.
Prince Andrew was recently questioned by Thames Valley Police for several hours and later released under investigation. Authorities are examining allegations that he may have shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy. Police searches connected to the investigation, including examinations of material seized from his Windsor residence, are reportedly continuing. Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Any removal from the line of succession would require significant legal steps. Parliament would need to pass new legislation through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, followed by royal assent. Because the British monarch is also head of state in multiple Commonwealth realms, the change would likely require agreement from those countries as well. The most recent major reform to succession rules occurred under the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, while the last removal through legislation dates back to the constitutional changes surrounding King Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936.
Political reactions have begun to emerge, with some opposition figures expressing support for legislative action, while others question whether such a step is necessary given Andrew’s distant position in the succession order. For now, officials say parliamentary consideration is expected only after the police investigation reaches a clearer legal conclusion.
