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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is eighth in line to the throne
Australia's prime minister has told Sir Keir Starmer his government would back plans to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of royal succession.
Anthony Albanese expressed his support for such a proposal in a letter to the UK prime minister.
Andrew, the King's brother, remains eighth in line to the throne despite being stripped of his titles, including "prince", in October amid pressure over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The UK government is considering introducing legislation to remove him from the line of succession. It follows Andrew's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday. He has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
The former prince was released under investigation 11 hours after his arrest by Thames Valley Police.
Albanese's letter reads: "Dear Prime Minister Starmer, 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.
"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."
Speaking after his brother Andrew's arrest, King Charles had said: "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."
Removing him from the line of succession would require an act of Parliament. This would need to be approved by MPs and peers, and would come into effect when given royal assent by the King.
It would also need the support of the 14 Commonwealth countries where King Charles is head of state, including Australia.
Buckingham Palace has not publicly commented on the government's plans to remove Andrew from the line of succession.
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