UK government considers removing former Prince Andrew from line of succession

Former Prince Andrew is facing more negativity following his arrest on Thursday.

On Friday, police continued to search Andrew’s former home. The British government is also considering whether to officially disinherit him.

Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, although he was stripped of his title as prince in October and now faces a police investigation; This is a change that will require a new law.

“The government is considering any further steps that may be necessary and we are not ruling out anything,” said James Murray, the government’s principal secretary to the Treasury.

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The last time a royal family was removed from the line of succession was King Henry VIII. It was after Edward VII’s abdication in 1936. The law was changed to remove him and his descendants from the list.

while talking Questions from BBC Radio 4 Defense Secretary Luke Pollard said the British government and Buckingham Palace were working together to prevent Andrew “potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne”.

He added that he hoped this was an issue “where there will be cross-party support” but that it was “something that can only happen once the police investigation is concluded”.

Andrew was arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of abuse of public office.

Former Prince Andrew was released hours after his arrest on February 19. (Reuters)

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“I learned with deep concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicions of misconduct in public office,” King Charles III said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace. he said. “From now on, there will be a full, fair and proper process in which this matter will be investigated appropriately and by the relevant authorities. As I said before, we have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation on this matter. Let me state clearly: The law must take its own course.”

“While this process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter. In the meantime, my family and I will continue our duty and service to all of you.”

The former prince has been the subject of public scrutiny for many years over his close friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claimed she had sex with Andrew even though she knew he was only 17.

After years of scrutiny, Andrew announced in October 2025 that he would “no longer use my title or the honors bestowed upon me” and continued to deny all allegations against him.

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In October 2025, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles was in the process of removing the “style, Titles and Honors of Prince Andrew”. (Max Mumby)

Later that month, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles had “launched a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honors of Prince Andrew” and said: “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”

The Crown Prosecution Service says misconduct in public office carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

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