UK govt considers removing Andrew from royal line of succession: media

LONDON -- The British government is considering introducing legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Britain's ex-prince and King Charles III's younger brother, from the line of royal succession, according to British media on Friday.

The move will come upon the police concluding investigation around him, according to media report.

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, but was released after hours in custody.

The move came amid renewed scrutiny over his past association with the dead American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"Following the further release of millions of court documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, we are aware of the suggestion that London airports may have been used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement issued on Friday, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

King Charles III said on Thursday that "the law must take its course," and the police had his "full and wholehearted support and co-operation."

Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal and military titles last October and moved out of Royal Lodge. He has since been referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and relocated to "alternative private accommodation."