Australia Backs Removing Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor From Royal Succession Line

Published: 24 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The Australian government has formally declared its support for a proposal to strip Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, the estranged brother of King Charles III, of his place in the line of succession to the British throne, signalling an unprecedented stance by a Commonwealth realm on the future of the monarchy. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed the position in a letter to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, stating that Canberra “would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession” in light of ongoing legal controversies and serious allegations surrounding Andrew.

Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles last year amid revelations about his past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, still technically remains eighth in line to the throne, which also makes him part of the counsellors of state if required. Removing him from succession, however, would require approval not only from the UK Parliament but also from each of the 14 other Commonwealth realms where King Charles is monarch, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand, which has also signalled its support should the UK government advance legislation to amend the succession rules.

Mr Albanese described the allegations against Andrew as “grave” and said the Australian government wanted to make its position clear as discussions continue over potential legislative changes. Though Andrew denies wrongdoing in relation to the latest allegations, the move reflects public and political pressure within Commonwealth countries about the appropriateness of his remaining in any line of succession, especially given past controversies that have eroded confidence in his suitability as a future head of state.

The support from Australia represents a significant constitutional and diplomatic development. Amendments to the line of succession historically require multinational agreement dating back to the Statute of Westminster 1931 and subsequent accords among the realms, making such changes complex and potentially protracted even once backed politically.

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