Australia backs removing Andrew from royal line of succession
BBC World
February 23, 2026
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Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for removing Prince Andrew from the line of succession following recent legal developments. In a letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Albanese confirmed that his government backs any proposal to strip Andrew of his place in the royal line, emphasizing the importance of allowing the law to take its course and ensuring a thorough investigation into the allegations against him.
Prince Andrew, currently eighth in line to the throne, has faced significant scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted paedophile financier. His status as a prince was revoked in October 2019 amid growing pressure over these connections. Now, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office earlier this week, the UK government is considering legislation to remove him from the line of succession entirely.
The process to exclude Andrew would require an act of Parliament, which must be approved by MPs and peers and then granted royal assent by King Charles. Additionally, the move would need the backing of all 14 Commonwealth nations where Charles serves as head of state, including Australia. This decision marks a significant shift in how the monarchy is being handled in modern times, reflecting the increasing scrutiny and accountability expected of royal family members.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard has argued that removing Andrew from the line of succession is the “right thing to do,” regardless of the outcome of his ongoing legal case. Andrew was arrested at Sandringham estate, where he has been residing since leaving his previous home earlier this year. Police searches were conducted at both Sandringham and Royal Lodge over the weekend.
The situation highlights the evolving relationship between the monarchy and public opinion, particularly in nations like Australia that have a constitutional connection to the British royal family. While Buckingham Palace has remained silent on the matter, the actions of Australian officials underscore the growing expectation for transparency and accountability from members of the royal family, even those no longer holding formal titles.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026