Shamed Andrew Windsor ‘to remain in line of succession for now’ as police probe stalls axe
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is unlikely to be removed from the royal line of succession for at least a year as investigations into alleged misconduct in public office continue, its claimed
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly dodged being removed from the line of succession for now(Image: AP)
Shamed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is reportedly set to cling to his spot as eighth in line to the throne for at least another year as a police investigation continues. Detectives are currently probing claims of misconduct in public office related to the 66-year-old’s former role as a UK special trade envoy.
However, any chance of a boot from the royal pecking order has been dashed as reports allege the axe won’t fall while Thames Valley Police expand their inquiry.
It comes as the Met Police are also teaming up with US investigators to see if London’s airports were used to traffic girls on Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous “Lolita Express” private jet.
Detectives are said to be grilling Andrew’s former protection officers to get the inside track on his friendship with the dead paedophile billionaire.
He was forced to ditch his HRH titles last year and faced the ultimate humiliation when he was arrested on his 66th birthday back in February.
He was released under investigation and has denied all allegations of misconduct and any wrongdoing.
The Times reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Buckingham Palace are both said to be all-in on a plan to wipe Andrew from the succession list.
However Downing Street has to play a high-stakes game of diplomacy with Commonwealth nations. Removing him requires an Act of Parliament and the green light from every country where Charles III is King.
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are already said to be on board, while Jamaica could use the move to spark a total break from the Monarchy.
There are also whispers that changes to the line of succession could extend to his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and their children.
Eugenie recently announced she is pregnant with her third child, who will take the 15th spot in line, bumping Prince Edward further down the ladder.
Palace insiders are reportedly desperate to dodge questions about the King’s brother.
After Andrew was grilled by cops for 11 hours, Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, told the Commons: “The government are clear that we are not ruling out action in respect of the line of succession at this stage and we will consider whether any further steps are required in due course. It is vital, however, that we first allow the police to carry out their investigations.”
Defence Minister Luke Pollard told BBC Radio 4 that the government and the Palace are working to stop Andrew “potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne.”
Pollard insisted the move was “absolutely” the “right” course of action.
The last time the line of succession was altered was 2013, when the rules were changed to stop boys jumping over girls in the race for the crown, just before Prince George was born.
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