A visitor to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s new home has fueled speculation that the former prince could be removed from the royal line of succession. Andrew, who was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, was visited by Richard Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household, on Monday. Lord Benyon was reportedly spotted at Andrew’s temporary home of Wood Farm, on the Sandringham estate, leaving many to speculate that further major changes to Andrew’s circumstances are underway. (Picture: EPA)
Andrew is currently eighth in line to the British throne. The current UK line of succession starts with King Charles III, followed by his son and heir, Prince William, then William’s children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, with Prince Harry and his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, following. After Andrew at number eight, the line then moves to his daughter, Princess Beatrice, her children, Sienna and Athena, and then Princess Eugenie. (Picture: REUTERS)
However, due to his recent arrest and removal of titles — all caused by the disgraced former royal’s links to the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, and his own accusations of sexual assault by the late Virginia Giuffre — Andrew has had a very public fall from grace. Still, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His visit from Lord Benyon, the most senior official in the Royal Household, could be significant. Since November 2024, the former Conservative MP has overseen around 1,200 staff and acts as the main liaison between King Charles III and the House of Lords. (Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
While the reason for Lord Benyon’s visit has not been confirmed, the UK government is actively considering legislation to remove Andrew from the royal succession line. Following the arrest, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told reporters that the ‘government is looking at options in relation to succession.’ He added: ‘We are considering what measures could be taken, but that would have to be after a police investigation.’ Meanwhile, Trade Minister Chris Bryant said in a parliamentary debate that the government is ‘working at pace on this,’ and that they ‘intend to bring forward legislation when [they] can.’ (Picture: REUTERS)
Elsewhere, Defence Minister Luke Pollard told the BBC that removing Andrew from the line of succession is the ‘right thing to do,’ irrespective of the current police investigation. Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions programme, he explained that the government had been working with Buckingham Palace to prevent Andrew from ever becoming King — who he described as ‘potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne.’ Pollard added that Andrew’s removal is something he hopes gains ‘cross-party support.’ Echoing Starmer’s statement, he confirmed that it is ‘something that only happens when the police investigation concludes.’ (Picture: AP)
Many other key political figures backed the move after Andrew’s arrest, with the most prominent being Labour MP Rachael Maskell, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey. Despite these very public voices of support, Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on the situation or make a formal statement about removing Andrew from the line of succession. (Picture: AP)Add as preferred source