Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was not immediately removed from the line of succession after his arrest.
Andrew is eighth in line for the British throne, of which his brother King Charles III currently reigns. The former Duke of York was stripped of all royal titles and honorifics in October 2025 months before he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” Charles said in a February 2026 statement issued by Buckingham Palace. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”
Keep scrolling to learn more about Andrew’s place in the line of succession amid his arrest:
Where Is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Place in the Line of Succession?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the second son of Queen Elizabeth III and Prince Philip. Upon his 1960 birth, he became second in line for Elizabeth’s crown behind now-King Charles III. Andrew’s position shifted once Charles had children and grandchildren.
Charles’ firstborn son, Prince William, is currently the direct heir, followed by his eldest child, Prince George. The lineup continues with William’s younger children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, all of whom he shares with wife Princess Kate Middleton. Charles’ younger son, Prince Harry, follows ahead of his kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who directly precede Andrew.
Andrew’s two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are No. 9 and No. 12 in the line of succession, respectively, in between their own children.
How Many Other Royals Have Been Arrested Before Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
Could Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Be Removed From the Line of Succession Amid His Arrest?
King Charles III, as the reigning monarch, has yet to make a decision about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s future as an heir.
“He likely won’t be removed from the line of succession until he’s convicted of a crime,” royal expert Gareth Russell exclusively told Us Weekly in February 2026. “If parliament did so before that, they could be accused of prejudicing the case against him. Any action between arrest and charges, or charges and trial, has to be very carefully considered, in case it’s used by the defense to weaken the case against Andrew.”
According to Russell, Andrew could be removed if he’s convicted of a crime.
“It’s completely untrue that you can’t be removed from the succession,” Russell told Us. “There are laws going back centuries that allow parliament to do that, the first time they did it was in 1326 and 1327. They also did it in the early 20th century, so there’s no reason that it couldn’t be done again.”
The BBC reported several days after Andrew’s arrest that the government is “considering” introducing legislation to remove the former prince from the line of succession.
“[This is] something that I hope will enjoy cross party support,” Defense Minister Luke Pollard told the outlet. “It’s right that that is something that only happens when the police investigation concludes.”
There has not yet been a formal decision about Andrew’s place in succession.
Is Prince Andrew Still a Working Royal? Where He Stands With the Family
Why Was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday in February 2026 over alleged misconduct.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
The Thames Valley police department further told the BBC that they were investigating claims that Andrew shared confidential information with late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. No charges have been revealed as of publication nor has Andrew addressed the accusations.
