UK Mulls Law To Remove Ex-Prince Andrew From Succession Line Amid Police Probe

The British government is considering legislation to remove former Prince Andrew from the line of the country’s monarchy succession line following mounting investigations into his conduct, authorities said on Friday.

Police have begun questioning former protection officers linked to the disgraced royal as fresh details emerged from files connected to late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The development comes after King Charles III previously stripped his younger brother of official titles and evicted him from a royal residence in Windsor.

Despite the sanctions, the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II remained eighth in line to the throne — behind Princess Lilibet, daughter of Prince Harry.

Government sources told AFP that the legislation would only be introduced after the police investigation was concluded.

Andrew was arrested Thursday at his residence on the Sandringham Estate on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Public anger has intensified over revelations about his close ties to Epstein and allegations he shared confidential information during his tenure as UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

A survey by YouGov showed 82 per cent of respondents believed he should be removed from the succession line.

Police also conducted fresh searches at the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge.

The Metropolitan Police said it was seeking information from officers “close” to Andrew about “anything” they “saw or heard during that period of service that may be relevant to our ongoing reviews”.

Authorities were also working with US investigators to assess allegations flights linked to Epstein trafficked girls and women through London airports.

In a rare signed statement, the King said “the law must take its course” while continuing official duties.

Royal commentator Ed Owens warned the arrest marked a dangerous moment for the British Crown.

“I think the great challenge for the monarchy in the coming weeks, months, possibly longer, is the various unknowns in this particular crisis moment,” he said.

Constitutional expert Robert Hazell of University College London explained that changing the succession was complex.

“Before the line of succession could be changed, it would require all 14 countries, where King Charles is also their head of state, as well as the UK, to change the law of succession.”

Epstein was convicted in 2008 of child prostitution in the United States.

One of his accusers, Virginia Giuffre, alleged in her memoir she was trafficked three times to have sex with Andrew when she was 17.

The royal settled a US civil lawsuit in 2022 without admitting liability and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Any prosecution and the parliamentary process required to remove him from succession line could take months or longer as investigations continued.