New Zealand Supports Removing Prince Andrew from British Succession Line if UK Government Proposes Action

Wellington. New Zealand has indicated it would support any proposal to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the British line of succession. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon clarified that New Zealand would agree if the UK government moves forward with such a step.

"If the UK government brings forward a proposal to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, New Zealand will support it," stated the spokesperson in a released statement. This stance follows similar support voiced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Albanese suggested such a move would be appropriate due to Andrew's association with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses and financial crimes.

Andrew was reportedly arrested on Thursday on suspicion of abuse of public office. He has consistently and strongly denied all allegations against him. Meanwhile, the UK government has stated it is considering legal options to remove him from the royal line of succession. At a press conference in Auckland, Luxon stated that regular contact is maintained between the cabinet offices of New Zealand and the UK. "Our position is well understood, and I reiterate that now," he said. "No one is above the law. If the UK government decides to remove him after the investigation is complete, we will support it," he further stated.

However, New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour commented that this issue is not a high priority for the country's citizens. "There are 99 other issues that most New Zealanders are currently facing. Therefore, this issue ranks very low on the priority list," he said. Previously, following the arrest of his brother, King Charles III of the UK stated that an investigation would be conducted through a full, impartial, and proper process.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Albanese, in a letter to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, mentioned that the law must run its full course and that serious allegations must be taken seriously. A spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister's office confirmed receipt of the letter from Australia and stated that the government is considering whether further action regarding Andrew is necessary. However, the spokesperson also clarified that it would be inappropriate to comment further due to the ongoing police investigation.