UK Government Reviews Bill to Remove Prince Andrew from Succession After Arrest
Updated (2 articles)
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Image: Newsweek -
Image: Newsweek
Government Drafts Succession Bill Following Prince Andrew Arrest The defence minister, Luke Pollard, announced on 21 February that the government is reviewing legislation to strip Prince Andrew, the king’s brother, from the line of succession [1]. He said officials are working “absolutely” with Buckingham Palace to secure cross‑party backing. The proposal would require passage through both Houses of Parliament, royal assent, and approval from all 14 Commonwealth realms [1].
Police Detention Raises Renewed Scrutiny of Andrew’s Conduct Thames Valley Police arrested Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office, holding him for 11 hours before releasing him under investigation [1][2]. He continues to deny any wrongdoing. The arrest follows renewed media focus on documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files and allegations he shared confidential information while serving as a trade envoy [2].
Parliamentary Parties Split Over Necessity of Removal Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, and Labour MP Rachael Maskell publicly support the removal bill [1]. Other Labour members question its necessity given Andrew’s remote chance of accession, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urges waiting for the police inquiry to conclude [2]. Shadow Scotland Secretary Andrew Bowie says Parliament could act only if Andrew is found guilty, emphasizing no charges have been filed yet [2].
Legal and Historical Context Shapes Debate The last changes to succession were the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act and the 1936 removal of Edward VIII’s line, setting precedent for parliamentary action [1]. Andrew settled a 2022 U.S. civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre without admitting liability, losing military titles and royal duties [2]. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had ruled out succession legislation in October 2025, noting the extensive legislative and Commonwealth hurdles [2].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Government Mulls Bill to Strip Prince Andrew from Succession: reports Defence Minister Luke Pollard’s proposal, coordination with the Palace, mixed parliamentary support, and the procedural steps required for removal.
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2.
Newsweek: UK Parliament Considers Removing Prince Andrew from Succession: details Liberal Democrat and SNP backing, outlines Andrew’s arrest, recounts his 2022 civil settlement, notes Prime Minister Starmer’s earlier refusal, and highlights divergent Labour and Conservative positions.
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Timeline
1936 – Parliament removes Edward VIII from the line of succession, establishing a precedent for later succession reforms [1].
2013 – The Succession to the Crown Act modernizes inheritance rules with absolute primogeniture and ends male‑preference, shaping today’s royal succession framework [1].
2022 – Prince Andrew settles a U.S. civil lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by Virginia Giuffre without admitting liability, loses his military titles and royal duties, and the case fuels ongoing public scrutiny [2].
Oct 2025 – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly states his government has no plans to introduce legislation to alter the royal line of succession, signaling initial political resistance to such reforms [2].
Feb 2026 – Thames Valley Police arrest Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office, detain him for 11 hours, and release him under investigation, reigniting media and parliamentary focus on his conduct [1][2].
Feb 20, 2026 – Liberal Democrat and SNP MPs formally propose a bill to strip Prince Andrew from the succession, outlining that any change must pass both Houses of Parliament, receive the King’s assent, and gain approval from all 14 Commonwealth realms [2].
Feb 21, 2026 – Defence Minister Luke Pollard declares the proposal “the right thing to do” and confirms the government is “absolutely” coordinating with Buckingham Palace to secure cross‑party backing while awaiting the police inquiry’s conclusion [1].
Feb 21, 2026 – Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, and Labour MP Rachael Maskell publicly endorse the removal, whereas some Labour members question its necessity given Prince Andrew’s slim chance of accession [1].
Feb 2026 – Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urges Parliament to give space to the police investigation before taking legislative action, reflecting the party’s cautious stance on the issue [2].
Feb 2026 – Shadow Scotland Secretary Andrew Bowie says Parliament could act if Prince Andrew is found guilty, but stresses that no charges have been filed, highlighting the conditional nature of any legislative move [2].
Feb 2026 – Commentator Alex Armstrong argues that government resources should prioritize other investigations, such as the ongoing rape‑gang inquiry, underscoring competing policy priorities [2].
Future (2026‑2027) – The proposed succession bill must navigate passage through the Commons and Lords, obtain royal assent, and secure consent from the 14 Commonwealth realms before any amendment to Prince Andrew’s status becomes law, outlining a multi‑stage process that could extend into the next year [1].