New Zealand would support removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the British royal line of succession if formally asked, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said — signalling growing Commonwealth willingness to reassess constitutional ties to controversial members of the monarchy.
A clear signal from Wellington
Speaking in Wellington, Christopher Luxon said his government would not oppose coordinated action among Commonwealth realms to exclude Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from succession rights, should such a proposal be brought forward by the United Kingdom.
Luxon stressed that any change would need to follow established constitutional processes and require agreement across all realms that recognise the British monarch as head of state, including New Zealand.
While Andrew already plays no official public role, he technically remains in the line of succession — a position that has become increasingly untenable following years of legal controversy and public scrutiny.
Pressure builds across the Commonwealth
Under constitutional convention, alterations to royal succession rules must be approved unanimously by all Commonwealth realms. That requirement has historically made reform slow and politically sensitive.
However, analysts say Luxon’s remarks reflect a broader shift among member nations, many of which are re-examining their relationship with the monarchy amid changing public attitudes and renewed debates over republicanism.
Several governments have privately indicated that removing Andrew would be largely symbolic but politically important — demonstrating accountability and modernisation within the institution.
A monarchy under scrutiny
Andrew, formerly known as Prince Andrew, stepped back from royal duties after damaging revelations linked to his association with Jeffrey Epstein and a subsequent civil settlement in the United States. Although he denies wrongdoing, the episode severely eroded public trust and prompted Buckingham Palace to strip him of military titles and patronages.
Despite this, he remains legally embedded in the succession framework, highlighting the limits of informal royal sanctions without legislative action.
For many Commonwealth leaders, the issue now goes beyond one individual. It touches on wider questions about transparency, legitimacy, and the future relevance of inherited power structures in democratic societies.
Constitutional implications
Any formal move to remove Andrew would require legislation in the UK and parallel measures in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Legal experts note that while technically feasible, such coordination demands political alignment and careful drafting to avoid unintended constitutional consequences.
Luxon said New Zealand would approach the matter pragmatically, emphasising stability while acknowledging that public confidence in institutions must be maintained.
A symbolic turning point
Though no official proposal has yet been tabled in London, Wellington’s stance adds momentum to calls for reform. Observers say it underscores how the monarchy’s standing abroad increasingly depends on its ability to reflect contemporary values.
If pursued, Andrew’s removal would mark a rare intervention in royal succession — and a clear sign that Commonwealth nations are prepared to assert their voice in shaping the future of the Crown.
Newshub Editorial in Oceania – 24 February 2026
If you have an account with ChatGPT you get deeper explanations,
background and context related to what you are reading.
Open an account:
Open an account
Recent Comments