Australia backs removing Andrew from line of succession
Feb 23rd 2026
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told UK leader Keir Starmer Australia would support legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal succession, a move that would need approval from 14 Commonwealth realms and follows his recent arrest and prior stripping of titles.
- Albanese wrote to Keir Starmer confirming Australia would agree to removing Andrew from the line of succession.
- Removing Andrew would require an act of the UK Parliament and approval by 14 Commonwealth realms where the king is head of state.
- The development follows Andrews arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office and his release under investigation after 11 hours in custody.
- Andrew was stripped of several royal titles in October but remains eighth in line to the throne.
- Buckingham Palace has not publicly commented and the UK government says it is considering whether further steps are required.
- The last parliamentary removal from the succession was in 1936 when Edward VIII and his descendants were excluded after his abdication.