Australia has become the first Commonwealth realm to declare its backing for legislation that would strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his place in the royal succession.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed his government’s position in correspondence with Sir Keir Starmer, released publicly on Monday.”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,” Mr Albanese wrote.The Australian leader 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.”
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The Prime Minister is reportedly weighing up whether to bring forward such legislation.The former Duke of York was taken into custody last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office.The allegations centre on claims that he passed confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein during his period as Britain’s trade envoy.Though stripped of his royal title last year, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the throne.Parliamentary legislation would be necessary to exclude him entirely from the succession.Such a change would require consent from all 14 Commonwealth nations that recognise the King as head of state, among them Canada and Jamaica.Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing in connection with his links to Epstein.Support for removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the succession has emerged across the political spectrum.Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described the prospect of the former prince ascending to the throne as “intolerable”, warning that such a scenario was “not as remote as some people think”.Reform UK has also signalled its willingness to back government action on the matter.Robert Jenrick stated on Sunday that whilst there was realistically “no chance of him becoming our monarch”, his party would support any Bill introduced by ministers “with the support of the King”.Downing Street had previously considered legislative change unnecessary, believing it highly improbable that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor would ever accede to the throne.Public sentiment has shifted markedly following recent developments, with parliamentarians from multiple parties now voicing support for his removal from the line of succession.The King responded to his brother’s arrest with a statement expressing his “deepest concern” at the news.”What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” he wrote in a message signed “Charles R”.”In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”Officers continue to examine Royal Lodge, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence in Windsor, Berkshire, as part of their investigation.Excluding the King’s brother from the succession would also automatically remove his status as a counsellor of state, a role permitting him to exercise certain royal functions when the monarch is unavailable.Our Standards:
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