LONDON, UK — The British government is considering introducing legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, from the line of succession to the British throne, according to multiple UK news outlets.
The move would mark an unprecedented potential change to the royal succession and is linked to ongoing legal developments surrounding the king’s brother.
Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, remains eighth in line to the throne despite being stripped of his royal titles in 2025 amid intense public scrutiny over his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The government’s reported proposal would go beyond title removal and formally bar him from ever becoming monarch.
According to reports, ministers plan to consider such legislation once the ongoing police investigation into Andrew’s conduct has concluded.
The former prince was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to allegations about his time as a UK trade envoy and his connections with Epstein’s network.
He was held in custody for around 11 hours before being released under investigation, and searches of his former residences are continuing.
For any change to the line of succession, an Act of Parliament would be required, and it would also likely need consultation with the 14 Commonwealth realms that share the British monarch as head of state.
The consideration of such a law reflects intensifying political and public pressure in the UK.
A recent poll showed that more than 80% of Britons believe Andrew should be removed from the succession, citing concerns about preserving the reputation and integrity of the monarchy.
Labour, Liberal Democrat and other opposition figures have supported a parliamentary debate on the issue, with calls for lawmakers to act “when the time is right” to ensure the former prince cannot ascend to the throne if the allegations are proven.
King Charles has expressed support for the police investigation, stating that “the law must take its course,” while acknowledging the seriousness of the ongoing legal process.
The possible legislative move would mark a historic moment: the first time a senior member of the royal family might be removed from the line of succession through Parliament, raising broader questions about monarchy reform and accountability.
