UK Government May Remove Prince Andrew From Royal Line of Succession After Arrest

Prince Andrew is currently 8th in line to the throne. The government is now considering removing him from this position.
By Newsroom | Politics, UK |

Recent events suggest that the UK government is seriously considering legislative measures to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession. This potential move follows his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office and comes after he was stripped of his royal titles in October. While Parliament has previously not prioritized this issue due to his distant position in the line of succession, mounting pressure and ongoing investigations appear to be changing this stance. The process would necessitate an Act of Parliament, and any changes are expected to occur after the conclusion of current police inquiries.

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Timeline of Developments

  • October [Year Redacted]: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles. He also announced he would no longer use his titles or honours.

  • Thursday [Date Redacted]: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was released under investigation after several hours.

  • Present: The government is reportedly considering legislation to remove him from the line of succession.

Actors Involved

  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: The subject of the succession discussion, formerly a prominent royal figure, now stripped of titles and facing investigation.

  • UK Government: Considering legislative action to alter the line of succession.

  • Parliament: Would need to pass an Act to remove someone from the line of succession.

  • Police: Conducting an investigation into allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Current Position in Succession

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is currently eighth in line to the throne. His position is behind:

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  • Prince William

  • Princess Anne

  • Prince Edward

  • Prince Harry

  • Prince George (son of William)

  • Princess Charlotte (daughter of William)

  • Prince Louis (son of William)

Mechanism for Removal

Removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession would require an Act of Parliament. This is because altering the established order of succession is a significant legal change that impacts the constitutional framework.

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  • Legislation is the primary method for such a change.

  • It has been noted that even if found guilty, Parliament would have the right to act.

  • The government's current stance is to await the conclusion of police investigations before proceeding.

Considerations and Precedents

While Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles by King Charles III, this action did not affect his place in the line of succession. This highlights a distinction between royal honours and constitutional positioning.

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  • He was initially second in line to the throne upon his birth, a position he has since moved down due to the births of subsequent generations in the direct line.

  • Previous discussions on removing him from the line of succession have not led to parliamentary action, likely due to his low ranking making it seem a low priority.

  • Despite the legal implications, there are calls from various groups, including royal followers, for him to be formally removed.

Expert and Public Sentiment

Commentary suggests that while Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been removed from royal duties and titles, his place in the line of succession remains a point of public concern.

"I think until the investigations have concluded, however, yes of course if he is found guilty of this, I think Parliament would be well within its rights to act and remove him from the line of succession." - Statement from a Conservative MP cited by BBC News.

This perspective indicates that a conviction or guilty finding in the ongoing investigation could solidify the political will to enact legislative change. The sentiment from some segments of the public is also evident, with concerns raised about his continued presence in the line of succession, especially after losing his titles.

Conclusion and Future Steps

The government's reported consideration of legislative action signifies a potential shift in its approach to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's status within the royal family's constitutional order. The core elements of this situation are:

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  • An ongoing police investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.

  • A past decision by the monarch to strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his royal titles.

  • A present discussion by the government about introducing legislation to remove him from the line of succession.

The timeline for any such legislative action appears contingent on the outcome of the police investigation. Should the investigation conclude with charges or a finding of guilt, it is plausible that Parliament would then address the matter of succession. Until then, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the throne, despite his forfeited titles and public scrutiny.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the UK government thinking about removing Prince Andrew from the line of succession?
The government is considering this because Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This follows him being stripped of his royal titles in October.
Q: What does it mean for Prince Andrew to be removed from the line of succession?
It means he would no longer be considered in the order of who becomes the next monarch. He is currently eighth in line to the throne.
Q: How can Prince Andrew be removed from the line of succession?
Removing someone from the line of succession requires a new law passed by Parliament. This is a formal legal process.
Q: When will a decision be made about Prince Andrew's place in the line of succession?
The government is waiting for the police investigations into the allegations against Prince Andrew to finish. Any action will likely happen after these investigations are complete.
Q: Has Prince Andrew lost his royal titles?
Yes, Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles in October. He also said he would no longer use them.