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Australia has become the first overseas realm to back proposals to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed support in a letter to Sir Keir Starmer.
Albanese wrote to the UK prime minister on Monday after Downing Street indicated on Friday that it was considering legislation to remove the former prince, currently eighth in line to the throne, from his place in the line of succession.
Downing Street has made it clear that any step to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession would need to be approved by the 14 other realms that retain the British sovereign as head of state.
The most populous are Canada, Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Jamaica.
Albanese wrote: “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.”
Referring to a statement on Thursday by King Charles, Albanese added: “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.”
As a result of his place in the line of succession, Mountbatten-Windsor remains a counsellor of state, meaning he could theoretically deputise for King Charles if his brother was incapacitated. Removing him from the line of succession would negate that possibility.
Downing Street said on Monday: “We are considering whether further steps are required in relation to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. We are not ruling anything out.”
Mountbatten-Windsor was last year stripped of the title of prince following revelations over his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He also lost his other titles, including Duke of York, and military ranks in what Buckingham Palace called “censures” over his conduct.
The Crown Estate terminated his lease on the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, forcing him to move to the royal family’s private Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday became the first member of the royal family to be arrested for a criminal offence for more than 300 years when Thames Valley Police arrested him on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied either sexual or financial wrongdoing.
Thames Valley police has also said it is assessing information from a US lawyer representing a woman who claims to have been trafficked to Windsor “for sexual purposes” by Jeffrey Epstein in 2010. The lawyer involved has said the sexual encounter was with Mountbatten-Windsor.
The force has not yet launched a formal investigation.
Any legislation regarding the line of succession is expected to be put forward only after the conclusion of the police investigation and any court proceedings.
Buckingham Palace on Monday said any legislation would be a matter for parliament.
