The Liberal Democrats plan to "take action" against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor by supporting legislation to remove him from the line of succession, party leader Sir Ed Davey has said.

Speaking at the Scottish Liberal Democrats conference in Edinburgh, he was asked if he would back legislation for the move if it was brought forward in Parliament.

He said: “Yes it is. I think it would be intolerable for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to succeed to the Crown. “It’s not as remote as some people think – if you look at a few tragedies.”

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He added: “So we have to take action. Clearly, we want to make sure that action in no way prejudices the police investigation. That’s absolutely critical.”

Sir Ed continued: “You’ve got to remember the victims of Epstein and the people who went to his island, those women and girls. They should be at the forefront of our minds as we think about these things.”

Sir Ed's comments come as police searches continued at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s previous home on Saturday, as the Government’s pledge to consider removing the disgraced royal from the line of succession was backed by the Liberal Democrats.

Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations were made against him following the release of files related to the late paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former Duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne and an Act of Parliament would be required to remove Andrew and prevent him from ever taking the throne.

Sir Keir Starmer’s Government will consider introducing such legislation once cops have finished their investigation into the King’s disgraced brother, the Press Association understands.

Any changes to the line of succession would require the agreement of other countries which share the UK monarch, including Australia, Canada and Jamaica.

It is also understood that an influential group of MPs will meet to consider launching a parliamentary probe into the role of UK trade envoys.

Any inquiry would start by focusing on potential governance issues within the wider system and lessons to be learned, avoiding specific commentary on Andrew – who spent 10 years in the role – until there is no risk of prejudicing criminal proceedings, PA understands.

This weekend the royal family will be attempting to conduct their duties as usual, with the Prince and Princess of Wales due to appear in public.

On Saturday, Kate wore an England Rugby scarf to watch the team take on Ireland in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations at the Allianz Stadium Twickenham.

She was pictured chatting with injured England player Fin Baxter and RFU president Deborah Griffin in the seats before the game, in her first public appearance since Andrew’s arrest. Meanwhile, Lord Peter Mandelson – who has also had his two properties searched by police – was seen leaving his north London home on Saturday.

A taxi arrived as the former business secretary was seen leaving his front door carrying a tote bag.

He smiled at the taxi driver before entering the car, moving past a small group of waiting photographers.

Andrew spent 11 hours in police custody on Thursday, on his 66th birthday, before being released under investigation, after allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.

Detectives continued to search Andrew’s former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, on Friday.

He has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.