UK considers removing Prince Andrew from royal line due to Epstein investigation

British Government Considers Legislation to Remove Prince Andrew from Line of Succession

The British government is reportedly considering introducing new legislation that could remove Prince Andrew, Duke of York, from the line of royal succession. According to officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the decision would follow after the completion of a police investigation into the prince’s ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Prince Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office linked to his friendship with Epstein. He was held in custody for 11 hours before being released under investigation. A YouGov poll conducted after his arrest showed that 82 percent of respondents believed he should be removed from his place in line to the British throne.

The police have begun searching Prince Andrew’s former home, Windsor Lodge, and are intensifying their investigation into the prince’s close protection team, including former members who may have witnessed relevant information. The Metropolitan Police are identifying and contacting security officers who worked with Prince Andrew, asking them to consider whether they saw or heard anything during their service that could be relevant to the ongoing review.

Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, but settled a civil lawsuit in 2022 for $16.2 million after being accused of sexually abusing Virginia Giuffre as a teenager at properties linked to Epstein’s island. The police have not identified any wrongdoing by Prince Andrew’s protection officers, but are urging anyone with new or relevant information to come forward.

The British government is expected to consider introducing legislation once the police investigation has concluded, following King Charles’s decision to strip Prince Andrew of his titles and remove him from Windsor Lodge.

Source: Al Jazeera