The Royal Household’s chamberlain, Lord Richard Benyon, paid an unannounced visit to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Wood Farm, on the Sandringham estate. According to GB News, the king’s adviser may have discussed with the former Duke of York the possibility of removing him from the line of succession, where he currently occupies the eighth position. Benyon, who took the role in 2024 after succeeding former MI5 chief Lord Parker of Minsmere, remained on the property for about two hours before leaving. As a senior figure within the Royal Household, Benyon oversees roughly 1,200 staff and serves as the primary liaison between the monarch and the House of Lords.

Because any change to the line of succession requires an act of Parliament, the meeting prompted speculation that formal discussions about removing Andrew from his eighth place might be underway, despite his having been stripped of royal titles. The content of the talks between Benyon and Mountbatten-Windsor has not been disclosed. Last month, on his birthday, the king’s brother was arrested and spent 11 hours in custody while officers searched his residence in Norfolk. He was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with his former role as a UK trade envoy. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains under investigation by Thames Valley Police, although no charges have yet been filed. King Charles has been at his Norfolk residence since Friday, but the brothers have not met during that time. The monarch attended the Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene Church and was seen driving nearby, coming to within about 3 kilometres of Wood Farm. Despite the proximity, it is thought Charles has no intention of visiting his younger brother. The former duke is reportedly subject to strict conditions while staying on the estate, including a ban on riding horses, deemed inappropriate given the ongoing police inquiry.

It is also said that he needs permission and accompaniment to leave the estate, and that all visitors require prior authorization. The Keir Starmer administration has stated it will consider introducing legislation to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the succession once the police investigation is concluded. Such a step would involve significant constitutional complexity, requiring not only parliamentary approval but also the consent of all 14 Commonwealth realms of which King Charles is head of state.