The ex-prince was held in custody on Thursday following accusations he shared sensitive information with billionaire paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein when the UK’s trade envoy. Mr Bowie told GB News: “It seems to run and run regarding Epstein and his relations with some of the highest echelons in British society, so in terms of Andrew’s place on the line of succession, I think it would be the decent thing for him to remove himself.
“The investigations haven’t concluded, however, and if he is found guilty of this, I think Parliament would be well within its rights to act and remove him from the line of succession.
“But let’s remember, he’s not been found guilty of anything just yet. He is yet to be charged with anything, so we have let the police investigation run its course, and then I think we should all act accordingly.”
Andrew, who is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, was held for around 11 hours on his 66th birthday before he was released under investigation by Thames Valley Police.
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He has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
Police have been reviewing allegations against Andrew after emails released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show him sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore with Epstein.
An act of Parliament would be required to remove Andrew from the line of succession.
YouGov polling shows the majority of Britons do not think he should remain as eighth in line to the throne.
Andrew became the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001.
He stepped down in 2011 amid the furore over his friendship with Epstein.