Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor receives unannounced visit from most senior palace official amid push to remove his succession rights

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was visited by the most senior staffer of the Royal Household, sparking speculation he could soon be removed from the line of succession.

Lord Richard Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain, made the unannounced visit to Andrew's temporary home on the King's Sandringham Estate on Monday afternoon, according to reports in British media.

The Lord Chamberlain spent around two hours with the former prince inside Wood Farm, where Andrew has been in hiding since his arrest on February 19.

King Charles is also staying at Sandringham, having moved to the Norfolk residence on Friday but has not seen his younger brother.

On Monday, the King will attend his most high-profile public engagement since Andrew's arrest.

Charles will be joined by Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Anne for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. The annual event is one of the most important on the royal calendar.

It is not known why Andrew was visited by the Lord Chamberlain and Buckingham Palace has declined to comment.

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Benyon is the main point of communication between the monarch and the House of Lords.

He was appointed to the role of Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household in 2024, taking over from former MI5 chief Lord Parker of Minsmere.

Currently, Andrew remains eighth in the British line of succession and removing him would require an act of parliament and consent from the 14 Commonwealth realms.

The meeting has renewed talk that moves are underway to remove Andrew's succession rights.

The 66-year-old was stripped of his royal titles and honours, including Duke of York, in October by King Charles.

But he has so far kept his succession rights and sits underneath Prince Harry's daughter, Princess Lilibet.

Last week, Andrew's succession rights were questioned during the heated discussion in parliament, with trade minister Sir Chris Bryant confirming the government was "working at pace" to bring forward legislation to remove the former prince.

Bryant said: "We are working at pace on this, and we intend to be able to bring forward legislation where we can. I can't commit to a particular date on that".

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese became the first Commonwealth leader to confirm Australia would support any changes to remove Andrew, with New Zealand following soon after.

One politician said it was "disgusting" that Andrew was fourth-in-line to the throne when he was photographed with Epstein in New York in December, 2010.

The former Duke of York was seen walking through Central Park with Epstein after the convicted paedophile's release from prison.

He also remains a counsellor of state – a member of the royal family who can carry out state duties on behalf of the monarch, if the sovereign is not available.

Andrew remains under investigation following his release from custody on his 66th birthday. He was questioned for nearly 12 hours after being arrested at Wood Farm on suspicion of misconduct in public office, relating to his time as a trade envoy for the UK.

He has not been charged.

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