UK weighs removing ex-Prince Andrew from succession line amid Epstein probe

The UK government is considering removing former Prince Andrew from the line of royal succession amid ongoing investigations related to his ties with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This consideration follows a widening police inquiry that includes questioning Andrew's close protection teams. The discussions about his potential removal from the succession line come in the context of a series of troubling revelations from Epstein's files, which have drawn significant public and media scrutiny. King Charles III has already taken steps to distance the royal family from Andrew by stripping him of all his titles and removing him from his residence in Windsor. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is currently eighth in line to the throne, and any changes to the line of succession would necessitate consultation and agreement with other Commonwealth realms where King Charles is recognized as head of state. An official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the government would consider new legislation to facilitate this change once the police investigation concludes. The potential removal of Andrew from the succession line reflects broader concerns regarding his association with Epstein and the implications it has for the royal family's reputation. The ongoing police investigation is a critical factor in the government's decision-making process, as it seeks to address the fallout from Andrew's past associations and their impact on the monarchy.