Attention is turning to developments in the file of succession to the British throne after the escalation of controversy over the future of Prince Andrew, in light of ongoing investigations that may lead to unprecedented changes in the order of succession. The issue is gaining an international dimension due to the fact that the British monarch holds the head of state in several countries, including Australia, which announced its support for any legal move aimed at excluding him from the line of the throne, pending what the British authorities will decide after completing the investigations.

Published on: 02/23/2026 - 22:09

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his support for plans to exclude Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of heirs to the British throne, in a letter he addressed to the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, against the backdrop of judicial developments related to his previous relations with the late American businessman Jeffrey Epstein.

Last week, a British official said that the government is considering enacting legislation to ensure that Mountbatten-Windsor, who currently holds eighth place in the order of royal succession, will never be able to assume the throne, after his arrest as part of a police investigation into his relations with the late American businessman Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual assault crimes.

It is noteworthy that King Charles, who last year stripped his brother of the title of prince and forced him to leave his palace in Windsor, holds the position of head of state in Britain, Australia and 13 other countries, and any changes in the order of succession to the throne require approval not only in Britain, but in other countries as well.

Albanese said in his letter to Starmer: “In light of recent events related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government will agree to any proposal to exclude him from the list of successions to the throne.”

The letter said, "I agree with His Majesty the King on the need to fully implement the law and conduct a comprehensive, impartial and fair investigation... These are serious accusations, and Australians take them very seriously."

The last amendment to the order of succession to the British throne was in 2013, when a law was issued that ended a 300-year-old system that gave males priority. The British government said that any new change will come after the completion of the ongoing investigations.

Investigators are searching the former palace of the king's brother in Windsor, as part of an investigation into whether he committed any violations during his work as the government's trade envoy. Several British police agencies are also investigating other allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

Mountbatten-Windsor, who has not commented publicly since the US published last month a large batch of documents related to Epstein, has not made any statements and has always denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.

France 24/Reuters

Keywords related to the article

The content you want to browse is no longer in service or is currently unavailable.