The British government is considering new legislation that could remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal succession line. Officials in the United Kingdom told the BBC that any move would likely come after police complete their investigation into his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his friendship with Epstein. He was held for 11 hours and later released under investigation. He is currently eighth in line to the throne.
According to reports, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government will decide on possible legislation once the police inquiry is complete.
A YouGov poll conducted after his arrest showed that 82 percent of respondents believe he should be removed from the line of succession. Public anger has increased in recent months as more details about his past association with Epstein surfaced.
Police in London are now contacting former and current security officers who worked closely with him. In a statement, officers said, “They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us,” and added, “We continue to urge anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. All allegations will be taken seriously and, as with any matter, any information received will be assessed and investigated where appropriate,”
Read more: King Charles’ brother Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein ties
In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor settled a civil lawsuit in the US for 12 million pounds brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse. He has denied all wrongdoing linked to Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019.
The debate has now reached a critical point. If lawmakers move ahead, it would be a historic step for the monarchy. Many believe the final decision will depend on the outcome of the investigation. The coming weeks could shape not only his future but also public trust in the royal institution.
