Overview
- Hosting the Brit Awards in Manchester, Jack Whitehall joked that James Blunt was “about 30th in line to the throne… might be 29th soon,” a clear nod to calls to drop Andrew from the succession.
- Witnesses reported loud cheers for the gag, and a separate joke referencing Peter Mandelson and the Epstein files was bleeped on the TV broadcast, according to reports.
- Parliamentary discussion on removing Andrew from the line of succession continues, with ministers weighing legislation that would require coordination across Commonwealth realms.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to Keir Starmer offering support for any UK proposal to remove Andrew, and New Zealand has also signalled backing, outlets report.
- Political pressure follows Andrew’s arrest at Sandringham on suspicion of misconduct in public office and renewed scrutiny from US document releases, after earlier Palace steps to strip roles in 2022 and begin removing remaining honours in 2025.