UK weighs removing ex-Prince Andrew from succession line amid Epstein probe

The report comes as police widen investigations of the former prince, including questioning his close protection teams.Published On 21 Feb 2026The British government is weighing new legislation that could remove the former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, from the line of royal succession, according to reports.Officials in the United Kingdom, speaking on condition of anonymity to the BBC on Friday, said the decision could follow after the police finish their investigation into the ex-prince’s ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4US military says it attacked vessel in Pacific Ocean, killing three peoplelist 2 of 4Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,458list 3 of 4Trump, JD Vance vilify ‘lawless’ Supreme Court justices over tariff rulinglist 4 of 4Gunmen on motorcycles kill at least 50 in northwest Nigeria: Reportend of list“The move would come after the ongoing police investigation has concluded,” the BBC reported.The UK’s Press Association news service said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government “will consider introducing such legislation once the police have finished their investigation” into Mountbatten-Windsor, who is currently eighth in line to the British throne.Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in a public office linked to his friendship with Epstein. He was held in custody for 11 hours before being released under investigation.A YouGov poll conducted after his arrest on Thursday showed that 82 percent of respondents believed that he should be removed from his place in line to the British throne.Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, leaves Aylsham Police Station in a vehicle, on the day he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19, 2026 [Phil Noble/Reuters]King Charles had already stripped Mountbatten-Windsor, his younger brother and a son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, of his titles and removed him from his home in the Royal Lodge, located in Windsor, Berkshire. Charles has also made it clear that the law must take its course, and the police have his full support and cooperation.