Australia's PM supports removal of Andrew from succession

The Australian Prime Minister will support "any proposal" to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the British throne, according to a letter shared by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office.

The former prince was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy.

Last week, an official said that the British government was considering introducing legislation to ensure Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, currently eighth-in-line to the throne, could never be king following his arrest as part of a police investigation into his ties with Epstein.

King Charles is not only the monarch and head of state in Britain, but also in Australia and 13 other countries.

In a letter shared by Mr Starmer's office, Anthony Albanese told his British counterpart that in light of recent events, his government would agree to "any proposal" to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of 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," the letter said.

"These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously."

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor 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.

Additional reporting by PA