succession. Anthony Albanese expressed his support for such a proposal in a letter to the UK prime minister. Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne despite being stripped of his titles, including "prince", in October amid pressure over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The UK government is considering introducing legislation to remove him from the line of succession. It follows Andrew's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday. He has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

The former prince was released under investigation 11 hours after his arrest by Thames Valley Police. Removing Andrew from the line of succession would require an act of Parliament supported by the 14 Commonwealth countries where King Charles III, his brother, is head of state, including Australia. Albanese's letter reads: "Dear Prime Minister Starmer, in light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal 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. "These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously." (BBC)