Canada's PM Calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Removal from Line of Succession

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be removed from the royal line of succession due to his 'deplorable' actions. The former prince remains eighth in line to the throne despite being stripped of his titles last October amid pressure over his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office last month, a move that has intensified calls for his removal from the succession. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Carney emphasized that even though Mountbatten-Windsor is well down the line of succession, the 'point of principle stands.'

Australia and New Zealand have also expressed support for removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed his government's backing in a letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stating that these are grave allegations that Australians take seriously.

The UK government is considering introducing legislation to remove the former prince from the line of succession, a move that would require an act of Parliament approved by MPs and peers, as well as support from the 14 Commonwealth countries where King Charles III is head of state. Defence Minister Luke Pollard told the BBC that this move is the 'right thing to do,' regardless of the outcome of the police investigation.

Any plan to remove Mountbatten-Windsor would need to be supported by Buckingham Palace and come into effect when given royal assent by King Charles III. The last time someone was removed from the line of succession by an act of Parliament was in 1936, when Edward VIII and his descendants were removed due to his abdication.