Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will be removed from the line of succession within six months, according to a royal expert.
Pressure is mounting on the UK Government to remove Andrew from the line of succession after the former Duke of York was arrested last week.
Australia and New Zealand have both thrown their support behind the removal of the former prince, who currently sits eighth in line to the throne.
Royal expert Phil Dampier has claimed: “I think it will probably happen within six months. It could happen quite quickly – whether he ends up being charged or ending up in court or not.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | Source: GETTY
“The political will and public opinion are so strong that it would end up being a gesture in some ways. He’s clearly not going to come back as a working royal and the monarchy only exists with the support of the public.”
Mr Dampier did stress that removing Andrew from the line of succession would take an agreement from all 14 countries of which the King is head of state.
Referring to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Mr Dampier told Hello: “But the fact he’s broken ranks and said that, I’m sure the others will probably follow suit. These things can be done.”
Mr Albanese’s letter read: “In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession.
The Australian Prime Minister added: “I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation. These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.”
A spokesman for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also said Wellington would back the British Government if it decided to take action.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | Source: GETTY
So far, only Australia and New Zealand have publicly endorsed the move.
Downing Street is understood to be preparing legislation once the police investigation into Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s communications with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein concludes.
The former Duke of York was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as a trade envoy.
He was later released under investigation and has not been charged.
Lord Mandelson was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and released on bail.
The former US ambassador is accused of passing sensitive information to Epstein during his time as Business Secretary.
Anthony Albanese | Source: GETTY
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein but has not responded directly to the latest allegations.
Lord Mandelson has previously maintained he did not act criminally or for personal gain.
Australia has long had an active republican movement, with the position becoming the official policy of the country’s governing Labour Party in 1991.
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