Australia's Prime Minister has expressed support for removing Prince Andrew from the British royal line of succession following his arrest in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The move comes as the UK government considers legislation to prevent Andrew, currently eighth in line to the throne, from ever becoming king.
LONDON – Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his government’s support for efforts to strip Prince Andrew from the British royal succession line, according to correspondence released by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office on February 23.
The development follows last week’s announcement from a British official that the UK government is exploring legislative options to permanently bar Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who currently holds the eighth position in the royal succession, from ascending to the throne. This consideration comes after his arrest in connection with an ongoing police probe into his connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
The matter carries significance for Australia since King Charles serves not only as Britain’s monarch and head of state, but also holds the same roles across Australia and 13 additional nations.
According to the correspondence, Albanese informed Starmer that his administration would support any initiative aimed at removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the succession order given recent developments.
“I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation,” Albanese wrote in his letter. “These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.”