The UK government is weighing up whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be taken out of the line of succession.
At present, Andrew sits eighth in line to the throne. Ahead of him are Prince William and his children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — along with Prince Harry and his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Andrew is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s second eldest son. Although Princess Anne is older, the succession rules in place at the time of Andrew’s birth prioritised male heirs over female heirs.
That approach was later amended under the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013.
According to the BBC, ministers are now looking at the possibility of removing Andrew entirely. Defence Minister Luke Pollard told the broadcaster the move was the ‘right thing to do’.
Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions, Pollard said the government had been working with the Palace to stop Andrew ‘potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne’.
He added that the potential plans were ‘something that I hope will enjoy cross party support, but its right that that is something that only happens when the police investigation concludes’.
Police arrested the former Duke of York last week at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, where he had been staying since leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor. The arrest took place on his 66th birthday.
The arrest was made on suspicion of misconduct in public office. It follows allegations that emerged after a set of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein — the late American financier who was indicted for sex trafficking — were released. Epstein’s association with the former prince has long drawn public scrutiny.
Andrew has strongly rejected any wrongdoing linked to Epstein.
After the arrest was reported, King Charles issued a statement.
It begins: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation,” King Charles continued.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.
“Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R.”
Thames Valley police added in a statement: “We have today (19/2) arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
“The man remains in police custody at this time.”
Since the arrest, officers have been seen entering Royal Lodge, and police vehicles have also been spotted outside. The BBC reports the searches are expected to continue until Monday.