King Charles set to discuss process of removing Andrew from line of succession with Commonwealth leaders

Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 09/03/2026

- 10:23

The Government is currently examining legislative options to strip Andrew of his position as eighth in line to the throne

King Charles is anticipated to hold private conversations with Commonwealth leaders about potentially removing his brother from the royal line of succession.

The monarch is set to attend the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey today.


King Charles, who serves as head of the Commonwealth, faces sensitive discussions following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest last month.

Andrew, 66, was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office relating to his former role as the UK's trade envoy.

King Charles

King Charles is anticipated to hold private conversations with Commonwealth leaders about potentially removing his brother from the royal line of succession.

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The former Duke of York remains under police investigation and continues to deny any wrongdoing in connection with the allegations against him.

The government is currently examining legislative options to strip Andrew of his position as eighth in line to the throne.

However, any such move would necessitate approval from all 15 Commonwealth realms that recognise Charles as their head of state.

Sources indicate the process could potentially span several years before reaching completion.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew, 66, was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office relating to his former role as the UK's trade envoy.

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It remains unclear whether Andrew's daughters would face similar consequences, with no decision yet taken on Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie's positions.

Beatrice currently holds ninth place in the succession, with her two children following, while Eugenie occupies twelfth position.

The allegations against Andrew include claims he shared classified information with associates, including convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to Sir Keir Starmer expressing his government's willingness to back any proposal for Andrew's removal from the succession.

"These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously," Albanese stated in his correspondence.

King Charles

The King and Queen are scheduled to visit Antigua and Barbuda in November for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting.

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New Zealand has similarly signalled its support, with a spokesperson for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirming: "If the UK government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it."

To date, no Commonwealth nation has indicated opposition to removing Andrew from the line of succession.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will join the King and Queen at today's service.

Later this evening, Charles and Camilla will host Commonwealth leaders and dignitaries at a reception at St James's Palace.

Several Caribbean heads of state are expected to attend, with the King anticipated to meet leaders from the region during the week.

Jamaica, the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda have all signalled intentions to transition from realms to republics, following Barbados's move in November 2021.

The King and Queen are scheduled to visit Antigua and Barbuda in November for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting.