By Micah Jonah, February 21, 2026
The British government is reportedly considering legislation that could remove former Prince Andrew, officially Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, from the line of succession to the throne. This move would follow the conclusion of ongoing police investigations into his connections with convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor, currently eighth in line to the throne, was arrested on February 19, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in a public office linked to his ties with Epstein. He was held in custody for 11 hours before being released under investigation.
A YouGov poll following his arrest indicated that 82 percent of respondents support his removal from succession. King Charles had previously stripped him of royal titles, removed him from the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Police have intensified their investigation, focusing on former and current members of Andrew’s close protection team to determine what they may have witnessed. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing. He previously settled a 2022 civil lawsuit in the United States for £12 million ($16.2 million) with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexual abuse linked to Epstein’s properties. Giuffre had alleged sexual encounters on Epstein’s Caribbean island when she was a teenager.
Public outrage in the UK has grown over Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein, and any legislation removing him from the succession line would mark a historic step in addressing accountability within the royal family.
