The UK government is considering introducing a bill to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the British throne, according to the BBC. The initiative would prevent King Charles III’s brother from becoming monarch, even in an unlikely scenario.
He currently remains eighth in the line of succession, even after being stripped of his titles — including that of “prince” — in October, under pressure over his ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Defense Minister Luke Pollard told BBC which considers the measure “the right thing to do”, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.
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Pollard confirmed that the government has been working “absolutely” together with Buckingham Palace to prevent the former prince from remaining “a heartbeat away from the throne”, an expression used to indicate proximity in the line of succession.
Andrew was arrested on Thursday (19) on suspicion of misconduct in public office and released after 11 hours, remaining under investigation, according to the broadcaster. He denies any wrongdoing.
For Andrew to be removed from the line of succession, it would be necessary to pass a law in the British Parliament, with approval from the House of Commons and the House of Lords, followed by royal sanction from King Charles III himself.
Furthermore, as it involves the rules of succession to the Crown, the change would need to be endorsed by the 14 Commonwealth countries that have the British monarch as head of state, such as Canada, Australia, Jamaica and New Zealand.
The last change in the line of succession by act of Parliament occurred in 2013, with the law that eliminated the loss of rights due to marriage with Catholics.
The last removal of a member of the succession line by legislation dates back to 1936, when former King Edward VIII and his descendants were excluded after his abdication.
