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Government considers removing Prince Andrew from line of succession
The UK government is weighing legislation to permanently bar Prince Andrew, the King's younger brother, from the royal line of succession, Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirmed. The move would prevent Andrew from ever ascending to the throne, regardless of the outcome of an ongoing police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
Current status and political backing
Andrew, currently eighth in line to the throne, was stripped of his royal titles-including the style of "prince"-in January 2025 amid sustained criticism over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Pollard told BBC Radio 4's Any Questions that the government had "absolutely" collaborated with Buckingham Palace on the proposal, describing it as "the right thing to do" and expressing hope for cross-party support.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray acknowledged the legal complexities, noting that the live police probe must "play out" before any legislative action. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn have signaled support for the measure, while some Labour MPs remain skeptical, citing the unlikelihood of Andrew ever reaching the throne.
Police investigation and public scrutiny
Andrew was released under investigation on Thursday after an 11-hour arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Thames Valley Police, which conducted the arrest, are expected to continue searching his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, until Monday. More than 20 vehicles were observed at the property on Friday, though their connection to the investigation remains unclear.
Former Home Office adviser Danny Shaw warned on BBC Radio 4's Today programme that multiple UK police forces are considering launching their own inquiries, risking a "spiraling" process that could take "considerable time."
Legal and constitutional hurdles
Removing Andrew from the line of succession would require an Act of Parliament, approved by both Houses and receiving royal assent from King Charles III. Additionally, the 14 Commonwealth realms where Charles is head of state-including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand-would need to endorse the change.
The last comparable alteration occurred in 2013 with the Succession to the Crown Act, which ended male primogeniture and allowed heirs to marry Catholics without forfeiting their place in the line. The most recent removal from succession was in 1936, when Edward VIII and his descendants were excluded following his abdication.
Public and royal response
Buckingham Palace has not commented publicly on the government's plans. Historian David Olusoga told BBC Newsnight that both the palace and government are eager to "draw a firewall" between Andrew's legal troubles and the monarchy's broader reputation.
"They're very clear: this is an individual. It is not a member of the Royal Family. And they treat the two very, very differently."
Julian Payne, former communications secretary to the King
Payne added that Queen Camilla, who married into the royal family, is "adept at tuning into the public mood" and will support the King in navigating the crisis. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged public figures to allow the police investigation to proceed without interference.
Broader implications
If enacted, the legislation would also strip Andrew of his role as a counsellor of state, a position that allows royals to stand in for the monarch during illness or absence. Only working members of the royal family are typically called upon for such duties. Andrew stepped back from public engagements in 2019 following a controversial Newsnight interview about his association with Epstein.
