The arrest of ex-Prince Andrew has sent fresh shockwaves through the British Royal Family, and according to experts, the consequences could extend beyond reputational damage. While the investigation remains ongoing and no conviction has occurred, questions are already being raised about what a guilty verdict might mean for Andrew’s place in the line of succession. One historian says it is entirely possible that Parliament could intervene if the allegations lead to a conviction.
Ex-Prince Andrew is ‘more than an embarrassment’ after arrest, per royal expert
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of “misconduct in public office.” Authorities have stressed that the matter is under active investigation. In a statement, Thames Valley Police said officials had opened an inquiry following “a thorough assessment.”
Law enforcement has reportedly been investigating claims that ex-Prince Andrew may have shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the U.K.’s trade envoy. Andrew has not publicly responded to the latest claims and was released from custody the same day.
The development prompted a swift and unusually direct response from his brother, King Charles III. In a statement, he said he learned of Andrew’s arrest “with the deepest concern.” The monarch emphasized that the legal process must proceed “in the appropriate manner” and pledged “full cooperation” with authorities.
Royal expert Gareth Russell described the King’s statement as “unprecedented” and “completely unambiguous.” Speaking with US Weekly, Russell suggested it underscored a clear intention not to shield his brother from scrutiny.
Notably, Andrew is currently eighth in the order of succession to the British throne. According to Russell, if Andrew were to be convicted, removal from the line of succession would not be impossible. “It’s completely untrue that you can’t be removed from the succession,” he said. “There are laws going back centuries that allow Parliament to do that.”
Another royal commentator, Christopher Andersen, told the outlet that the scandal poses broader risks to the monarchy’s public standing. He claimed Andrew is “more than an embarrassment,” arguing that trust in the institution itself could be affected by the outcome of the case.
Originally reported by Zahrah Patel on Reality Tea.
