Prince William wanted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor removed from line to the throne last year

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 01/03/2026

- 09:27

Updated: 01/03/2026

- 09:31

Andrew remains eighth in the line of succession

Prince William wanted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor removed from the line of succession last year.

The Prince of Wales is understood to be "frustrated" by the delay in removing the former Duke of York from the line to the throne.


It was previously revealed that William wanted Andrew out of the royal fold following his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview in 2019, with reports in the Times indicating that the future King wanted the former Duke of York removed from the line of succession in 2025.

The Government is considering legislation to remove the former prince following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince WilliamThe Prince of Wales insisted Andrew be removed from the line of succession last year | GETTY

Government sources said the process could take "years" to complete.

The former Duke of York is still under police investigation following his work as the UK's trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, with allegations suggesting he shared classified information with associates, including the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Australia and New Zealand have both thrown their support behind the removal of the former prince.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote in a letter: "In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince William, King Charles

William is understood to have asked his father and grandmother to remove Andrew from the royal fold

|

GETTY

A spokesman for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also said Wellington would back the British Government if it decided to take action.

Andrew has always denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein but has not responded directly to the latest allegations.

William reportedly urged the late Queen and his father to remove the former Duke of York from the royal fold, as revealed by Russell Myers in his new book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story.

The Prince of Wales reportedly demanded Andrew be banished "before the rot sets in".

Prince William

The Prince of Wales reportedly demanded Andrew be banished 'before the rot sets in'

|
GETTY

In September 2025, Andrew attempted to make conversation with William outside Westminster Cathedral after attending the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent.

The former duke broke into laughter while standing next to William, who looked visibly uncomfortable and embarrassed.

The Prince of Wales appeared to try distance himself from Andrew during the moment.

William's father and Andrew's brother, King Charles, has returned to Sandringham this weekend with no intentions of seeing Andrew, sources have claimed.

King Charles

The King has returned to Sandringham this weekend, but has no intention of seeing his brother

|
GETTY

The monarch had travelled to the region by helicopter the previous day after a demanding period with engagements throughout the week.

Despite now being situated in close proximity to the former Duke of York, who is staying at nearby Wood Farm, the King has neither visited nor made contact with his younger brother.

The King is understood to be attending church this morning on the Norfolk estate.