Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told UK leader Keir Starmer he would support proposals to remove Prince Andrew from the royal line of succession amid a police investigation into his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. The UK government confirmed it received the letter but said it would not comment while inquiries continue. King Charles III has already stripped Andrew of honors, and the UK is weighing legislation that would also require consent from 14 other Commonwealth realms. Albanese urged a full, fair and proper investigation.
Australia Backs Proposal to Remove Prince Andrew From Line of Succession Amid Epstein Probe
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed calls to remove the former prince Andrew from the royal line of succession (DAVID GRAY)(DAVID GRAY/AFP/AFP)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to UK leader Keir Starmer expressing support for any proposal to remove Prince Andrew from the line of royal succession as investigations continue into the former prince's links with Jeffrey Epstein.
Albanese's Position
In his letter, Albanese said Canberra would back measures to strip Andrew of his place in the succession and called the allegations "grave," urging a full, fair and proper investigation. Albanese — a long-time supporter of Australia becoming a republic — told Starmer he agreed that "the law must now take its full course."
UK Response and Ongoing Inquiry
Starmer's office confirmed receipt of the letter but reiterated that ministers will not comment further while a police investigation is under way. A government spokesman said officials were considering whether additional steps are required but emphasised that police inquiries take primacy.
The former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations that he shared sensitive information with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK trade envoy. Last month, the US Department of Justice released another tranche of documents that shed further light on Andrew's ties to Epstein.
Royal and Legal Implications
King Charles III removed Andrew's military honors and royal patronages in October and ordered him to leave his residence in Windsor. Although stripped of titles, Andrew currently remains in the line of succession — reported as eighth — behind Princess Lilibet, the daughter of Prince Harry.
The UK government has said it is examining legislation that could remove Andrew from the succession, but officials note any change would require the agreement of the 14 other Commonwealth realms where the sovereign is head of state. Ministers have stressed they will await the outcome of the police inquiry before pursuing legislative action.
"The law must take its course," King Charles said in a rare, personally signed statement.
This development places Australia — a country that has debated republicanism for decades — on the record supporting a legal and constitutional response should the UK pursue removal from the succession.
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