Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on 23/2 that he had contacted his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, regarding former prince Andrew, King Charles III's brother. According to Albanese, the United Kingdom would need to initiate changes to the line of succession, but this requires consensus from the 14 other Commonwealth realms. These nations within the Commonwealth recognize King Charles III as their reigning monarch.

"Australia is taking the lead on this issue, ensuring everyone knows our position. Today, we will send letters to other nations in the group to clarify this", the Australian prime minister stated. He also sent letters to the heads of Australia's states and territories.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Jakarta on 6/2. _AFP_

Prime Minister Albanese described the allegations against Andrew as "serious". He added that Australians felt "disgusted" by information regarding American pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's connections with public figures.

"King Charles III has stated that the law must now be fully applied. There must be a full, fair, and proper investigation. That must happen", Albanese said.

Andrew, 66 years old, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, remains eighth in the British line of succession, despite being stripped of all titles. Removing Andrew from the line of succession requires an act passed by the British parliament and the approval of the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu.

British police are currently investigating the former prince for alleged misconduct while holding public office. Newly released information from Epstein's files suggests Andrew may have sent confidential government documents to the pedophile billionaire during his time as a British trade envoy.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)