Australian PM backs move to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from royal line of succession

LONDON: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for plans to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the British throne, according to a letter shared by the office of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

A British official said last week that the UK government was considering introducing legislation to ensure Mountbatten-Windsor, who is currently eighth in line to the throne, would be barred from ever becoming king. The move follows his arrest as part of a police investigation into his alleged links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, is not only the head of state of the United Kingdom but also of Australia and 13 other Commonwealth realms, meaning any change to the line of succession would require consultation with those countries.

In a letter addressed to Starmer, Albanese said that in light of recent developments, his government would support any proposal to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the succession.

“I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation,” Albanese wrote. “These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.”

The development comes amid growing scrutiny over Mountbatten-Windsor’s reported ties to Epstein, as authorities continue their investigation.

The British government has not yet formally tabled legislation, but discussions are underway regarding the constitutional process required to amend the line of succession.