Prince Andrew Stripped of Title: Will He Also Be Removed from the Line of Succession?

Suspected Involvement in the "Epstein Files"
First Arrest of a Royal in 379 Years
Andrew, Eighth in Line to the Throne

The British government is considering a plan to remove former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who is suspected of being involved in the "Epstein scandal," from the line of succession to the throne.

On the 20th (local time), British media outlets including the Guardian and the BBC reported that the government has decided to review the introduction of a bill to strip Andrew of his succession rights once the police investigation into him is concluded. Andrew is the younger brother of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. He is suspected of having maintained a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the American billionaire sex offender, and of having passed on sensitive information obtained in the course of his duties in 2010, when he served as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, to Epstein.

On the 20th (local time), news reporting the arrest of former Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom appeared as the front-page lead story in newspapers. Reuters and Yonhap News

On the previous day, British police arrested Andrew on charges of misconduct in public office and questioned him, and they are now in their second day of searching Royal Lodge, the former official royal residence where he used to live. Royal Lodge is a 30-room mansion located in Windsor Great Park and owned by the Crown Estate, which manages royal assets. Earlier, in October last year, Andrew was stripped of his princely title and expelled from the royal estate.

This is the first time in 379 years that a member of the British royal family has been arrested and detained. Although he has been expelled from the royal household, Andrew’s position in the line of succession remains intact. His place in the line of succession is eighth, following the two sons and grandchildren of King Charles III. Therefore, the likelihood of him actually ascending the throne is slim, but the prevailing view is that any possibility, however remote, of Andrew inheriting the crown should be blocked at the source.

Any change to the order of succession requires a legislative process in Parliament. In addition to the approval of King Charles III, the consent of Commonwealth realms such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand is also required. The Guardian predicted that the government will begin taking such steps as soon as the police investigation into Andrew is completed.

Rachel Maskell, an MP from the ruling Labour Party, said, "Given the evidence already made public, it is clear that not only his succession rights but all of his titles must be removed," adding, "I hope that the bill to this effect will be passed." Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, the third-largest party in Parliament, urged, "The royal family will want to be absolutely sure that Andrew can never become king, and Parliament should examine this issue at an appropriate time."