New Zealand Joins Australia in Supporting Andrew's Removal from Succession
New Zealand has officially stated it would support the United Kingdom Government if it proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the throne. This announcement follows a similar declaration from Australia, intensifying international pressure on the matter.
Prime Minister's Spokesperson Confirms Position
A spokesperson for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed the country's stance, stating: "If the UK Government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it." The spokesperson added that the UK Government has indicated any formal proposals would only come after the conclusion of the ongoing police investigation.
Background of the Allegations
The former prince was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He faces accusations of sharing sensitive information with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing regarding his links to Epstein but has not directly addressed these latest specific allegations.
Despite being stripped of his royal titles last year, Andrew remains eighth in line to the British throne. Removing him permanently would require an Act of Parliament, a significant legislative step that would prevent him from ever becoming king.
International Support Grows
New Zealand's backing comes shortly after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, expressing his government's support for "any proposal" to remove Andrew from the succession. In his letter, Albanese emphasized that Andrew faces "grave allegations" and noted that "Australians take them seriously."
Political Pressure and Parliamentary Action
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are preparing to force the public release of files related to Andrew's appointment as a trade envoy. On Tuesday, the party will table a humble address in the House of Commons—an arcane parliamentary mechanism previously used by the Conservatives—to compel the government to disclose information.
The motion specifically calls for the release of papers concerning Andrew's appointment, including:
- Vetting documents and due diligence reports
- Correspondence from Lord Mandelson regarding the appointment
- Any other relevant appointment records
Liberal Democrats Demand Transparency
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey stated: "The public is rightly demanding to know how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was appointed to represent our nation in a high-level trade role. We are moving a binding motion to force the Government to come clean."
Davey emphasized the broader principle at stake: "No one, regardless of their title or their friends, should be beyond the scrutiny of Parliament. It is time to end the age of impunity, scrap rules that stifle scrutiny or debate, and ensure that everyone in public office—no matter how powerful—can be held properly to account."
Next Steps and Investigation
The UK Government is expected to consider introducing legislation to remove Andrew from the succession once police complete their investigation into the King's disgraced brother. The Press Association understands this consideration will follow the investigation's conclusion, aligning with the government's stated position.
This developing situation highlights growing international and domestic concerns about accountability and transparency in royal appointments, with significant constitutional implications for the British monarchy.
