The government of the United Kingdom (UK) is considering removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession.
Following his arrest on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, it was gathered that ministers are now weighing legislative options to strike the former Prince from the order of inheritance.
The move follows the release of over three million documents which allegedly detailed the relationship between Andrew and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The debate reached a fever pitch this week after the 66-year-old former Prince was detained and questioned for 11 hours.
While King Charles III stripped his brother of his “HRH” style and “Prince” title in late 2025, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne.
Speaking with the press, Defence Minister Luke Pollard revealed that the UK government is considering removing Andrew from the royal line of succession, a move which would prevent him from ever becoming King.
Pollard said the move was the “right thing to do,” regardless of the outcome of the police investigation.
The Defence Minister also confirmed the government had “absolutely” been working with Buckingham Palace on the plans to stop the former prince from “potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne”.
He said this was “something that I hope will enjoy cross-party support, but it’s right that that is something that only happens when the police investigation concludes”.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray told the press that “any questions in that sphere would be quite complicated”, adding that the live police investigation needs to “play out”.
On Saturday, several unmarked police cars were again seen entering Royal Lodge, the 30-room Windsor property where Andrew lived for many years.
At one point on Friday, more than 20 vehicles could be seen parked at the property, although it is not known ifthey weres all connected to the investigation and searches.
Thames Valley Police, the force that arrested him, is expected to continue searching Royal Lodge until Monday, the BBC understands.
Several other forces across the UK are also considering whether to launch investigations, noted Danny Shaw, a former adviser to ex-home secretary Yvette Cooper.
“It has the danger of spiralling out of control,” Shaw told Radio 4’s Today programme. Because of this, these investigations could take “considerable time”, he added.
The government’s proposal to remove Andrew from the line of succession comes after some MPs, including the Liberal Democrats and SNP, signalled their support for such legislation.
Some Labour parliamentarians who have been critical of the monarchy told the press they were less convinced the move was required – in part because it is so unlikely the former Duke of York would ever get near to the throne.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has not publicly commented on the government’s plans to remove Andrew from the line of succession.
