UK Government Considers Removing Andrew From Royal Line of Succession

Some parties in British Parliament have signaled support for legislation that would strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formally Prince Andrew, of his place in the royal line of succession, ensuring he can never be king.

Newsweek reached out to the House of Commons by email on Friday afternoon for comment.

Why It Matters
Mountbatten‑Windsor was arrested by U.K. police this week on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking an unprecedented moment for a senior modern royal.

The arrest followed renewed scrutiny of documents released in the Epstein files and allegations that Mountbatten‑Windsor may have shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy, claims he has consistently denied. He was released under investigation while inquiries continue.

However, his connection to Epstein has been a long‑running scandal, most prominently centered around Virginia Giuffre’s accusation that Mountbatten-Windsor sexually abused her in 2001 when she was 17. He denied the accusation and settled a U.S. civil lawsuit in 2022 without admitting liability.

The relationship cost Mountbatten-Windsor his royal duties, military titles and public standing, and it has continued to draw legal and political attention on both sides of the Atlantic.

Newsweek