The British government will consider introducing new legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession once an ongoing police investigation into his links with Jeffrey Epstein has concluded, a UK official said on Friday.
Andrew, the younger brother of Charles III, has faced years of scrutiny over his past association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses and died in jail in 2019.
According to the official, any move to alter the line of succession would require formal legislation and consultation with other Commonwealth realms where King Charles serves as head of state. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Changes to the order of succession are governed by constitutional arrangements agreed upon by multiple countries, meaning any amendment would need broad international consent.
There has been no immediate public comment from Buckingham Palace regarding the potential move.
The development comes amid continued public and political debate over Andrew’s role within the monarchy and the wider implications for the royal institution.