Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicating he would support legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, according to senior government sources.
Although Andrew was stripped of his royal titles last year, removing him from the line of succession requires an Act of Parliament, which could take several months or longer, depending on legislative priorities and political consensus.
Ministers are understood to be considering legislation once a police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office has concluded.
Any alteration to the line of succession would not be a purely domestic matter. Because the monarch is head of state in multiple Commonwealth realms, changes would require agreement from other countries that share the Crown, including:
- Australia
- Canada
- Jamaica
Precedent for coordinated reform was set during changes introduced under the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which required parallel legislative consent across the realms.
Albanese wrote: “Dear Prime Minister Starmer, “In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession.
“I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation.
“These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.”
Andrew was arrested on Thursday, 19 February 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office and spent 11 hours in custody on his 66th birthday, underscoring the ongoing investigation that aims to ensure a thorough review of the allegations, which is important for the audience’s understanding of due process.
The allegations centre on claims he shared sensitive information with the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy.
Police carried out searches over the weekend at Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire — Andrew’s former residence — with further investigative activity expected.
The prospect of removing Prince Andrew from the line of succession is a significant constitutional development that could impact the monarchy’s future, emphasizing its importance for the audience interested in constitutional affairs.
Government officials have not confirmed whether legislation is imminent, stressing that any decision would follow the outcome of the police investigation.
The Palace has not issued further comment.
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