Britain’s Prince Andrew may be removed from the line of succession
21 February 15:16
Following the temporary detention of Charles III’s younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the government in London is considering removing him from the line of succession. A corresponding bill may be submitted to parliament after the completion of a police investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to American financier Jeffrey Epstein, media outlets reported on Saturday, February 21, citing government sources, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The 66-year-old son of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022, is now eighth in line to the throne after Princess Lilibet, Prince Harry’s daughter. Amid an investigation into his ties to Epstein, who was previously convicted of sex crimes, he was detained on February 19 and released from police custody after nearly 12 hours of questioning.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest and interrogation
Police released a statement saying that the former prince had been released “under investigation” after being detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This means that the investigation is ongoing, but no charges have yet been brought against Mountbatten-Windsor.
According to the AP, police are investigating reports that former Prince Andrew provided information relating to important British trade interests to American financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.
Investigation into Charles III’s brother
Police took up the case after the publication of millions of pages of documents collected during the Epstein investigation in the US, the publication specifies. The royal family member is suspected of abusing his position while holding official posts, according to a police statement. Several years ago, it became known about his close ties with an American financier who was accused of sex trafficking of minors.
Mountbatten-Windsor himself has always denied any wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case and said he regrets his friendship with him. King Charles III of Great Britain has promised the investigation his full support and cooperation. In October 2025, he stripped his brother of the title of Duke of York, honorary titles, and honors. The king’s brother also left the royal apartments near Windsor Castle. He was stripped of most of his other titles in 2022, when he was also removed from royal duties.
