Prince Andrew Arrested and Released Amid Ongoing Probe On Thursday morning (21 Feb 2026) Prince Andrew was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office and released after a 10‑ to 11‑hour detention while investigators searched Sandringham, his Windsor residence and Royal Lodge for electronic evidence [1][2][3][4]. He has denied any wrongdoing, and the police have not disclosed the specific trigger for the arrest [2][3]. The high‑profile arrest has dominated UK front pages and prompted immediate calls for legislative action [2].

Legislative Path Requires Parliament and Commonwealth Approval The UK government is drafting a bill that would remove Andrew from the line of succession; the proposal must pass ten parliamentary stages, receive royal assent, and be ratified by all 14 Commonwealth realms under the Statute of Westminster [1][2][3][4]. The last comparable removal occurred in 1936 when Edward VIII and his descendants were excluded following his abdication [1]. A similar modern amendment, the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, shows the legal precedent for changing succession rules [3].

Political Leaders Across Parties Back Removal Defence Minister Luke Pollard called the move “the right thing to do,” emphasizing that no one is above the law [1][2][3]. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and Labour MP Rachael Maskell publicly supported the legislation [3][4]. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirming Australia would support any Commonwealth‑wide action [1].

Opposition Cautions Against Premature Action Reform UK leader Nigel Farage urged Parliament to wait for the police investigation before legislating, warning of a “trial by media” [1]. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch similarly called for space for the probe, while some Labour members questioned the necessity given Andrew’s low position on the succession list [4]. These voices stress the importance of due process before constitutional changes [1][4].

Implications for Titles and Duties Stripping Andrew from the succession would also remove his status as a Counsellor of State, ending any remaining royal duties and further distancing him from the monarchy [2][3]. He already lost his prince title in October 2023 and settled a U.S. civil lawsuit in 2022 without admitting liability, but removal from the line would be the most consequential sanction [4].