According to the publication, this initiative may be implemented after the completion of the current police investigation concerning the former Duke of York. Some parliamentarians, including representatives from the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party, have expressed their willingness to support the government proposal if it is presented. However, some Labour Party MPs have voiced doubts about the necessity of such a measure, pointing to the low likelihood that Prince Andrew will come close to the throne again.
At present, the king's brother occupies the eighth position in the line of succession, despite losing royal titles following the scandal related to his associations with American financier Jeffrey Epstein. Previously, UK authorities stated that they do not intend to make changes to the legislation regarding succession.
Changes to the order of succession require a separate act of Parliament, which must be approved by both houses, as well as the consent of other Commonwealth countries where the British monarch is the head of state. The last changes to the succession legislation occurred in 2013, and the last time anyone was excluded from the line of succession was in 1936, when former King Edward VIII and his descendants were removed.
On February 19, Prince Andrew was detained on suspicion of abuse of power but was released after about 11 hours. On the same day and the following day, searches were conducted at several addresses associated with him, which, according to media reports, may continue until February 23.
