Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be removed from the royal line of succession over his connections to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The former Duke of York was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, last being seen heading back to Wood Farm, where he currently resides.
Mr Carney told reporters in Tokyo: “I certainly think his actions are deplorable and have caused him to be stripped of his royal titles, certainly merit, if that’s the word – necessitate is a better word – his removal from the line of succession.”
The Canadian Prime Minister joins leaders of Australia and New Zealand who have called for Andrew to be removed from the line of succession.
Mark Carney, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | Source: GETTY
Removing the former Duke of York would require an Act of Parliament and an agreement between the Commonwealth.
Mr Carney added: “Even though he is well down the line, the point of principle stands.”
Andrew has always vigorously denied any wrongdoing, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
A spokesman for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Wellington would back the British Government if it decided to take action.
Mark Carney | Source: GETTY
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has already pledged support for “any proposals” put forward by the UK.
In a letter, Mr Albanese said Andrew was facing “grave allegations” and that “Australians take them seriously”.
Speaking on Australian radio, he said Sir Keir Starmer had thanked him for his position and confirmed Canberra would be “writing today to the other realm countries as well, informing them of our position”.
Although stripped of his royal title, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, behind Prince William and his three children, as well as Prince Harry and his two children.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | Source: GETTY
Last year, William wanted Andrew removed from the line of succession and is understood to be “frustrated” by the delay.
It was previously revealed that William wanted Andrew out of the royal fold following his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview in 2019, with reports in The Times indicating the future monarch wanted the former Duke of York removed from the line of succession in 2025.
Labour is considering legislation to remove the former prince following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Government sources said the process could take “years” to complete.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince William | Source: GETTY
The former Duke of York is still under police investigation following his work as the UK’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, with allegations suggesting he shared classified information with associates, including Epstein.
William reportedly urged the late Queen and his father to remove the former Duke of York from the royal fold, as revealed by Russell Myers in his new book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story.
The Prince of Wales reportedly demanded Andrew be banished “before the rot sets in”.
William’s father and Andrew’s brother, King Charles, recently returned to Sandringham but had no intentions of seeing the former duke, sources have claimed.
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