Calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to lose position in royal line of succession amid Epstein scandal
Millions of Epstein files were released last week
Mounting pressure is being placed on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as senior figures call for his removal from the royal line of succession in the wake of newly released Epstein files.
Andrew currently remains eighth in line to the throne, despite having been stripped of his remaining royal titles and honours in 2025. The titles decision came amid growing scrutiny against Andrew over his association with late convicted sex offender Epstein.
Now, following the latest Epstein files release by the US Department of Justice, the spotlight on his royal status is intensifying.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor called to lose his spot in the line of succession
Speaking on LBC this weekend, Conservative MP Chris Philp voiced his support for Andrew’s formal removal from the line of succession.
“Given the allegations that have emerged, someone who faces this sort of allegation should not be, in my view, in the line of succession,” he said.
“That is, of course, for Parliament to take a look at. But speaking personally, that is certainly something I would support doing.”
Mr Philp also urged the former Duke of York to testify before US Congress over his links to Epstein. He stated: “I think the truth needs to come out. Justice needs to be done for the victims, and every opportunity to examine and investigate this case should be taken.
“And people like Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor who may have information should be cooperating. That’s all of them, including him.”
Calls for accountability were reignited after the US Department of Justice released more than three million files relating to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Included among the documents are images appearing to show Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman, who is lying on the floor.
In two of the images, the king’s brother is seen touching the woman, who is fully clothed, on the stomach. In another image, he stares directly at the camera.
The context, location, and date of the photos are unknown. However, the release has prompted widespread backlash. It has also sparked renewed calls for Andrew to face questioning.
‘The images are deeply disturbing’
Housing Secretary Steve Reed also spoke to LBC.
“The images are deeply disturbing,” he added. “Nobody can look at those and feel anything other than revulsion.”
When challenged on Andrew’s place in the royal line of succession, Reed remarked: “He’s not going to become king of this country. I think the king was right to take the action he took in stripping Andrew of his title.”
Meanwhile, Labour leader and current UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed the need for transparency.
He recently told reporters: “I’ve always said anybody who’s got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they’re asked to do that. You can’t be victim-centred if you’re not prepared to do that.”
Andrew’s fall from royal grace began following allegations from Virginia Giuffre. Ms Giuffre claimed that she was trafficked by Epstein and made to have sex with the royal on three separate occasions when she was 17.
Andrew has repeatedly vehemently denied Ms Giuffre’s allegations.
In 2022, Andrew and Ms Giuffre reached an out-of-court settlement for an undisclosed sum. She had sued him in a US civil case, accusing him of sexual assault. The royal repeated that the settlement did not mean any liability or admission of guilt.
Andrew has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Being named or pictured among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Royal Insider contacted representatives for Andrew on the files.
Read more: Prince Edward breaks silence on Epstein files scandal as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces scrutiny
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