A Constitutional Controversy Enters the Spotlight
Australia has taken the rare and significant step of publicly supporting a proposal to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly Prince Andrew — from the line of succession to the British throne, reflecting growing concerns over his ongoing legal and political controversies.
In a formal letter to British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated Canberra’s willingness to back any move by the United Kingdom to strip the former royal of his place in the order of succession once investigations into alleged misconduct conclude.
The development marks a rare moment in modern constitutional history, given the deep symbolic ties that bind Australia — a Commonwealth realm where King Charles III remains head of state — to the British monarchy.
What Triggered Australia’s Shift
The push for removal stems from developments earlier this month involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — once eighth in line to the throne — who was arrested on 19 February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to allegations involving sharing sensitive information. He was later released under investigation.
Andrew had already been stripped of his royal titles by King Charles III in late 2025 as scrutiny intensified over his association with controversial financier Jeffrey Epstein. Yet, under current succession law, the removal of titles does not automatically alter his place in the succession.
In his letter to Starmer, Albanese emphasised that the allegations are “grave” and that Australians are “disgusted” by revelations from related files and documentation, underscoring strong public sentiment. He also affirmed respect for the rule of law and for the ongoing police investigation.
Legal Hurdles and Constitutional Requirements
Removing a person from the line of succession is not a simple matter of discretion for the British government alone. Because King Charles III serves as Australia’s head of state under the constitutional arrangements that bind the Commonwealth realms, any such change would require the consent of all 15 realms where the monarch is similarly recognised.
That means Australia’s federal government must coordinate not only with the UK government, but also with its own states and territories, which have a role under the Succession to the Crown Act 2015 and related constitutional frameworks.
Albanese’s outreach to fellow realms, including New Zealand, which has also signalled support for a future UK-led proposal, is aimed at building consensus for what would effectively be an unprecedented overhaul of the succession order.
Political and Public Reaction in Australia
The prime minister’s stance has prompted a wide range of reactions in Australian political circles and among the public. For many, particularly those already sceptical of the monarchy, the government’s backing represents a logical response to serious allegations involving a former senior royal.
However, constitutional monarchists and some legal scholars have cautioned that any moves to alter the succession could reignite broader debates over Australia’s constitutional status, especially given the republic movement’s fluctuating support in recent years. Polling has shown varied public opinion on whether Australia should have its own head of state independent of the British monarch.
Albanese, who has described himself historically as a republican, made clear that supporting Andrew’s removal is separate from larger republican ambitions, and that there are no immediate plans to revisit a republic referendum.
Implications for Commonwealth Relations
Australia’s public backing for removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor signals a shift in how the realms may collectively respond to constitutional and reputational issues affecting the monarchy. It also puts increased pressure on the UK government to clarify its intentions once the police investigation concludes.
While the proposal remains contingent on UK legislative action and consent from all Commonwealth realms, Australia’s early endorsement and active diplomatic engagement could shape future discussions at the highest levels of government across the Commonwealth.
Looking Ahead: A Precedent in the Making?
If the UK proceeds with legislation to remove Andrew from the succession and gains approval from the realms, it would mark a historic adjustment to the centuries-old rules governing the British monarchy. For Australia, it underscores both the enduring constitutional ties to the crown and the evolving expectations of accountability for individuals connected with that institution.
Whichever path unfolds, the episode illustrates how legal, political and social pressures now intersect at the heart of one of the world’s most iconic constitutional arrangements.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
