The royal family’s line of succession is “far messier” than it seems, shaped by abdications, scandals, and hidden protocols. An expert says that Ex-Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s issue runs deeper, with Prince Harry involved. The news emerges as officials weigh action against him after a police investigation into his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Sources suggest ex-Prince Andrew reportedly still has an edge over Prince Harry in terms of succession
Ex-Prince Andrew remains in eighth place in the line of succession, even as King Charles’ effort to streamline the monarchy runs into legal and Commonwealth hurdles.
As reported by RadarOnline.com, the former Duke of York, who had his titles removed by the monarch last year, is still on the succession list. Altering it would need approval from all 15 realms, including Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
A palace insider said exclusively to Radar, “Andrew is still there because the law leaves him there, not because anyone thinks it is a good look. Pulling him out would mean coordinating a legislative fix across the Commonwealth, and that is not a simple palace decision.”
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s situation has grown more uncomfortable as public anger has surged following his release while he was under investigation for suspected misconduct in public office. A recent YouGov poll showed that 82% of Britons want him taken off the succession list, with just 6% saying he should remain.
A parliamentary source explained that there is a strong political drive to take action, but the legal framework is rigid. Many governments are unlikely to spend limited parliamentary time on a change with almost no practical likelihood of making a difference. The source added that Ex-Prince Andrew’s position is largely symbolic. With almost no chance of him reaching the throne, the debate is more about perception than succession.
A constitutional expert further outlined how it works. Prince Harry and his children precede ex-prince Andrew in the line of succession. The Duke of Sussex is ahead of Andrew, so if Prince George became king as a child, Harry would be next to act as regent. If he could not, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor would be next, followed by Princess Beatrice.
