The UK government is considering introducing new legislation that would formally remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession, a move that would prevent him from ever becoming king.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the proposal was “the right thing to do,” regardless of the outcome of the ongoing police investigation into Andrew’s alleged misconduct.
Andrew, who remains eighth in line to the throne, was stripped of his titles — including “prince” — in October 2025 following mounting pressure over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Released After 11-Hour Detention
On Thursday, Andrew was released under investigation after an 11-hour arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Unmarked police cars and vans were seen entering and leaving Royal Lodge, the 30-room Windsor residence where Andrew had lived for years. Thames Valley Police is expected to continue searching the property until Monday.
Pollard confirmed on BBC Radio 4’s “Any Questions” that the government had been working “absolutely” with Buckingham Palace on the plan to ensure Andrew could not remain “a heartbeat away from the throne.”
Cross-Party Support Growing
The proposal has already received signals of support from Liberal Democrats, the SNP, and several Labour MPs, though some Labour members critical of the monarchy questioned whether new laws were necessary given the unlikelihood of Andrew ever becoming king.
Downing Street had previously said in October that it had no plans to alter the succession. However, mounting developments in the investigation have reignited demands for action.
Historian David Olusoga told BBC Newsnight there was now “a desperate desire within government and the palace to draw a firewall between this crisis and the wider monarchy.”
Buckingham Palace has not commented publicly.
Changing the Line of Succession: What It Takes
Altering the line of succession requires an Act of Parliament, approval from MPs and peers, and Royal Assent from King Charles III.
Additionally, all 14 Commonwealth realms where the King is head of state — including Canada, Australia, Jamaica, and New Zealand — must approve the change.
The last update to the succession law was in 2013, through the Succession to the Crown Act, ending the disqualification of heirs who married Catholics.
The last removal of an individual from the line of succession occurred in 1936, when Edward VIII and his descendants were excluded after his abdication.
Counsellor of State Role Also at Stake
Removing Andrew from the line of succession would also strip him of his constitutional position as a Counsellor of State, a role allowing select royals to stand in for the monarch when needed.
Although in practice only working royals are called upon, several MPs — including Rachael Maskell — have argued the role should formally be removed.
Political Parties React
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said police should proceed “without fear or favour” but acknowledged Parliament would likely need to act.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn affirmed the party would support legislation if required.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch urged giving police “space” to complete the investigation.