Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing the biggest hint to date that he could be removed from the line of succession.
The disgraced former Prince, 66, was visited by Richard Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household, on Monday. Lord Benyon was seen visiting Andrew at Wood Farm, the former Duke's temporary home on the Sandringham estate, for around two hours, before driving out of the estate.
Lord Benyon has served as Lord Chamberlain of the Household since 2024, replacing ex-MI5 Director General Lord Parker of Minsmere. The former Conservative MP is effectively head of the Royal Household and the main channel of communication between the monarch and the House of Lords, involved with arranging the state opening of Parliament and other administrative projects.
As an Act of Parliament is required to alter the line of succession, it could signal that talks are underway. However, what was discussed has not been confirmed.
King Charles, meanwhile, has been staying at the Royal estate since Friday, but is not thought to have seen Andrew in the last four days. HELLO! understands he has no plans to meet with his younger brother; however, Andrew was visited by the King's vicar on Saturday.
© Bav MediaHow would Andrew be removed from the line of succession?
Andrew remains eighth in the line of succession to the British throne, but following recent criminal allegations, the UK government is considering legislative action to remove him.
© Getty ImagesLast month, Andrew spent 11 hours in custody on his 66th birthday while officers searched his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk before he was released under investigation. The arrest occurred on suspicion of misconduct in public office when Andrew was a trade envoy for the UK.
Sir Keir Starmer's government has said it will consider introducing the legislation once police have concluded their investigation. It would require agreement from all 14 Commonwealth countries, of which King Charles is monarch.
What is the current line of succession?
The British line of succession is the sequence of members of the Royal Family in the order they are in line to the throne. The sovereign – King Charles – is already on the throne, so is not listed.
The current heir to the throne is Prince William, and he is first in the line of succession. When he comes to the throne, he will rule with his wife, Kate, now the Princess of Wales. The couple's children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, ten, and Prince Louis, seven, currently occupy places two to four in the line of succession.
© Getty ImagesAlthough he is no longer a senior working royal, Prince Harry is fifth in line to the throne, while his two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are sixth and seventh. Together with their mother, Meghan Markle, they live in Montecito, California.
Former Prince Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have been unaffected by the changes to his royal status and remain ninth and 12th respectively in line to the throne. They also retain their HRH titles.
