Constitutional Crisis in British Monarchy Over Prince Andrew

The biggest constitutional crisis for almost a century is enveloping the British monarchy. The former Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence that can carry a sentence of life imprisonment. On Thursday, he was held in custody for nearly 11 hours. UK police are investigating allegations that Andrew shared confidential trade information with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew was a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. The British government is now considering removing him from the line of succession to the throne. Andrew is currently eighth in line to be the monarch. This can only be changed with new legislation.

In 1936, the former King Edward VIII abdicated. The UK government passed a law to recognize the abdication and to declare that Edward had ceased to be king. A similar law could affect Andrew, who has been mired in controversy regarding his association with Epstein. Subsequent scandals resulted in Andrew being formally stripped of his title of prince last year by his brother King Charles III. This meant Andrew can no longer be called "Prince Andrew", nor can he use his other royal titles. He is now known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He has yet to comment on the allegations of misconduct, but has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his connection with Epstein.