Could Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Be Removed From the Line of Succession?

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has some serious legal issues to contend with. The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday for his connection to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations levied against him. While the legal process is still playing out, he was stripped of his titles long ago. The public and members of government don’t think that’s enough. There are calls to remove the former prince from the line of succession, but is it possible?

Could the former prince be removed from the line of succession?

The former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has already been stripped of his royal titles, evicted from the Royal Lodge, and arrested. Politicians and citizens would love to see him held legally accountable for his actions and his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. In the meantime, they’d like to see him removed from the line of succession. While he no longer carries a royal title, Andrew is still, technically, in the line of succession. So, would it be possible to remove him?

According to The Guardian, it is possible, though complicated. According to the outlet, removing him from the line of succession would require an act of parliament. Because the removal would affect other nations, a formal agreement from the other countries and territories that share the monarchy would be required. Though it’s unlikely to be opposed, the process would take some time.

Where is Andrew in the line of succession?

While it would take a bit of a legal process and plenty of time to remove the former prince from the line of succession, the country has more than enough time to do so. While it would be a symbolic gesture, it still wouldn’t really affect anything, at least from a logistical standpoint. The country is in no danger of having Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as its monarch. The likelihood that Andrew would ever be called upon to take over as king is infinitesimal at best.

The former prince is technically eighth in the line of succession. That means seven other people, including Prince William and his children, and Prince Harry and his children, would all need to be unable or unwilling to take the throne for the former prince to even be considered. Prince William is first in line, followed by his three children. The prince’s youngest son, Prince Louis, is fourth in line. Prince Harry, William’s younger brother, is fifth, followed by his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. If Prince William or Prince Harry were to welcome more children, that would further knock Andrew down in the line of succession.