Carney Calls for Prince Andrew’s Removal from Line of Succession
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly called for the removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession, citing his “deplorable” actions. The call comes after Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Calls for Removal Gain Momentum
Speaking to reporters in Tokyo during the final leg of a ten-day tour of the Indo-Pacific region, Carney stated that Mountbatten-Windsor’s actions “necessitate” his removal from the line of succession, even though he is eighth in line to the throne. CBC News reports that Carney emphasized the importance of principle, even given Mountbatten-Windsor’s distant position in the succession order.
This sentiment echoes that of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who, in a letter to British Prime Minister Kier Starmer last month, expressed support for triggering the process of removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the list of potential successors. Albanese stated that Australia takes the allegations seriously and would support any proposal for removal. The Globe and Mail details this exchange.
Background and Previous Actions
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles, including Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and His Royal Highness, following revelations of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Associated Press reported on these developments.
The Process of Succession
Despite losing his titles, Mountbatten-Windsor remained in the line of succession. Removing him requires a specific process, involving coordination with other Commonwealth realms that share King Charles III as their head of state. The last significant alteration to the line of succession occurred in 2013 with the Succession to the Crown Act in the UK, and subsequently mirrored in Canada through the Succession to the Throne Act. CBC News explains the legislative history.
The 2013 changes ended the practice of barring those married to Roman Catholics from the throne and removed male preference in succession, establishing equal rights for male and female heirs. Implementing these changes required agreement from the Commonwealth realms.
Current Line of Succession
Currently, Prince William is first in line to the throne, followed by his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Associated Press confirms this order.