The British government is weighing legislation to remove Prince Andrew from the line of succession following his arrest and an escalating police investigation into his conduct.
The development comes as officers intensify inquiries linked to files concerning late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including questioning former royal protection officers who served during Andrew’s tenure as a UK trade envoy.
Arrest and Investigation
Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III and son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, was arrested on Thursday at a residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was later released after 11 hours in police custody.
Police conducted further searches at his former Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, as part of ongoing investigations. London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed it is seeking information from officers who were close to Andrew during his public service, urging them to come forward with anything relevant to current reviews.
Authorities are also cooperating with US counterparts to assess allegations that flights linked to Epstein facilitated trafficking through London airports. At least nine British police forces are examining claims arising from millions of documents released in the United States last month.
Succession Debate
Despite being stripped of royal titles and duties by King Charles, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne. Government sources indicated that any move to remove him from the succession would likely be considered after investigations conclude.
Constitutional experts note that altering the line of succession would require an Act of Parliament and coordination with 14 other Commonwealth realms where the British monarch serves as head of state.
A recent YouGov poll conducted after the arrest found that 82 per cent of respondents believe Andrew should be removed from the succession. Public sentiment has grown increasingly critical in recent months amid renewed scrutiny of his association with Epstein.
Confidentiality and Past Allegations
Documents from US files reportedly suggest Andrew shared details of overseas visits and potential investment discussions during his time as trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Official guidelines are understood to require envoys to maintain strict confidentiality over commercially sensitive information.
Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing. In 2022, he settled a US civil lawsuit brought by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre without admitting liability.
Royal commentators describe the situation as one of the most serious crises facing the monarchy in modern times, with potential legal proceedings and constitutional questions likely to unfold over an extended period.
