Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will “likely” be removed from the line of succession within six months, a royal expert has claimed.
On Monday, it was revealed that the Australian Prime Minister had written to Sir Keir Starmer to say his government would back “any proposal” to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession. Anthony Albanese said Andrew was facing “grave allegations”, adding: “Australians take them seriously.”
Speaking to HELLO! after the news was revealed, royal expert Phil Dampier confirmed that it is “quite likely” that Andrew will be removed, adding that he would be “astonished” if no action is taken.
He said: “I think it will probably happen within six months. It could happen quite quickly – whether he ends up being charged or ending up in court or not. The political will and public opinion are so strong that it would end up being a gesture in some ways. He’s clearly not going to come back as a working royal and the monarchy only exists with the support of the public.”
However, Phil said that the motion would need agreement from all 14 countries, of which the King is head of state. “But the fact he’s broken ranks and said that, I’m sure the others will probably follow suit. These things can be done,” he explained, referring to the Australian PM’s letter.
Mr Albanese’s letter read: “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.
“I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation. These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.”
Andrew was arrested last week at Sandringham on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his time as UK trade envoy. He is also facing continued scrutiny over revelations concerning his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after new documents were released by the US government.
What is next for the monarchy?
Nick Ede, culture and branding expert, said the royal family are likely “really stuck” when it comes to the ongoing situation with Andrew.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesAs to their next steps, he added: “It was important for them to address it, and King Charles made it clear his position when it comes to the victims. I think they should take Andrew out of the line of succession, and I think they should have talks about the future of the King and Queen, whether it’s time for Kate and William to step forward and reestablish the Royal Family as a younger, progressive and commanding presence.
“I feel that the King and Queen are in battle mode and no matter what they do, the Andrew direct association will always follow. So it’s best to build the brand with the best assets they have, and that’s Kate and William.”
What is the current line of succession?
The British line of succession is the sequence of members of the Royal Family in the order they are in line to the throne. The sovereign – King Charles – is already on the throne, so is not listed.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesThe current heir to the throne is Prince William and he is first in the line of succession. When he comes to the throne, he will rule with his wife, Kate, now the Princess of Wales. The couple’s children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, ten, and Prince Louis, seven, currently occupy places two to four in the line of succession.
Although he is no longer a senior working royal, Prince Harry, is fifth in line to the throne, while his two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are sixth and seventh. Together with their mother, Meghan Markle, they live in Montecito in California.
Former Prince Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have been unaffected by the changes to his royal status and remain ninth and 12th respectively in line to the throne. They also retain their HRH titles. Andrew is still in eighth place.
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