Australian PM backs removal of ex-Prince Andrew from succession line

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Briefing Summary

AI-generated · Feb 24, 2026

NEWSAR · AI

In February 2026, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his government's support for removing ex-Prince Andrew from the line of succession to the British throne due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Australia is communicating its position to other Commonwealth countries. New Zealand has also stated it would support the UK government should it propose the removal. The move follows ex-Prince Andrew's recent arrest and questioning related to alleged misconduct in public office concerning his dealings with Epstein. Albanese stated that any change to the line of succession would need to be initiated by the UK and agreed upon by the 14 other Commonwealth nations that recognize King Charles III as head of state.

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Article analysis

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Key claims

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The former 66-year-old prince was arrested last week, detained and questioned.

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Albanese's government is writing to Commonwealth countries about its support to remove Andrew from the line of succession.

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New Zealand will support the UK government if it decides to remove the disgraced prince from succession.

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Australian PM backs removal of ex-Prince Andrew from succession line.

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Australians were “disgusted” by revelations about late US sex offender Epstein’s relations with public figures.

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Full report

2 min read · 313 words

New Zealand says it, too, will support the UK government if it decides to remove the disgraced prince from succession to the throne.Published On 24 Feb 2026Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that his government is writing to Commonwealth countries about its support to have the United Kingdom’s former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, removed from the line of royal succession over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Albanese’s announcement on Tuesday came as neighbouring Commonwealth member New Zealand declared that it would also support the UK government if it proposes the removal of Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the throne.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3UK PM Starmer urges ex-Prince Andrew to cooperate in Epstein files probelist 2 of 3Palace says King Charles will ‘support’ police probe into ex-Prince Andrewlist 3 of 3The Take: How deep do Epstein’s ties to Britain’s elite go?end of list“Australia likes being first, and we have made sure that everyone knows what our position is, and we’ll be writing today to the other realm countries as well, informing them of our position,” Prime Minister Albanese told Australia’s ABC public broadcaster.Australians were “disgusted” by revelations about late US sex offender Epstein’s relations with public figures, and they want the government to be clear about its position, Albanese told the ABC.“King Charles has said that the law must now take its full course. There must be a full, fair and proper investigation. And that needs to occur,” he added.The former 66-year-old prince was arrested last week, detained and questioned as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office following revelations about his dealings with Epstein.Albanese also said the UK would have to initiate any proposed change to the line of royal succession, and it would need the agreement of the 14 other Commonwealth nations that have King Charles III as head of state.

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