Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be removed from the line of
succession.
The government has said it is thinking of bringing in
legislation that would take the former prince out of the
succession
He is currently eighth in line.
The move would need agreement of all the realms where Charles
III is Monarch..
However, the government is only thought to be considering the
move after the police investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
is over.
The BBC reported that the move has been discussed and said it
was unlikely it could happen without the backing of The King.
Earlier in the day, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed
Davey, said that Andrew’s place in the succession should be under
considieration.
And the shadow Secretary for Scotland, Andrew Bowie, said Andrew
Mountbatten-Windsor should voluntarily relinquish his place in the
succession.
It followed the shock arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor by
Thames Valley Police looking into allegations of misconduct in a
public office.
The police arrived at Andrew’s home on the Sandringham estate
just after 8am on February 19, the former prince’s 66th
birthday.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody and remained there
for 11 hours when he was released under investigation.
Properties in Berkshire and Norfolk were also searched by
officers. It’s believed the properties were Royal Lodge on the
Windsor estate and Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate. The day
after the arrest, searches continued at Royal Lodge.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed as he was driven
away from Aylsham detention centre following his release. He has
made no comment but has previously denied any wrongdoing.
The King issued a statement shortly after his younger brother
was detained in which he said ”the law must take its
course”.
Charles III was later seen at the opening of London Fashion Week
but declined to ask questions from reporters about the events
surrounding his brother.
As eighth in line to the throne, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
holds an important constitutional role. He is a Counsellor of State
– one of a group of people who can step in for the Monarch when
they are temporarily unable to fulfil their role. Two counsellors
must act together and the law that appoints them says the role can
be taken by the consort and the first four adults in the line of
succession. King Charles asked parliament to add Princess Anne and
Prince Edward to that list at the start of his reign, ensuring
Andrew wouldn’t need to be asked.
However, the Regency Act of 1937 also states that adults in the
line of succession can also be potential regents should the monarch
need a permanent stand in. The first eligible adult in the line is
called on. So if Charles III needs a regent it would be Prince
William. However, should William need a regent it would be Prince
Harry and the law also talks about regents having to be resident in
the UK. Next after Harry on the list of adults in the succession is
Andrew.
Should the former prince be removed from the succession, it
would mean his elder daughter, Princess Beatrice, would move up to
eighth in line.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was born second in line to the throne
and remained ”spare” for over twenty years, until the birth of
Prince William. Andrew’s family occupies a total of seven places in
the succession. As well as his own spot, his daughter, Beatrice, is
ninth followed by her two daughters, Sienna and Athena. Andrew’s
younger daughter, Princess Eugenie, is twelfth followed by her
sons, August and Ernest.
In October 2025, King Charles removed all of Andrew’s royal
titles and honours but he is unable o take him out of the
succession.
