Full story
Reported arrest and police probe
Large parts of the UK and international press report that Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor was arrested on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor was arrested on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, held for 11 hours and then released under investigation; detectives searched his former Berkshire home on 20 February.”
They say he was held for roughly 10–11 hours and was released under investigation.
Reports say police have searched properties linked to him, including Royal Lodge and other addresses.
The Thames Valley and Metropolitan Police have asked current and former protection officers to review relevant material.
Those reports say the forces are coordinating inquiries with other UK forces and US authorities.
Several outlets link the probe to newly released material tied to Jeffrey Epstein and say inquiries are ongoing.
Royal response to investigation
Buckingham Palace, the King, and senior government figures have publicly said they will cooperate with police and that 'the law must take its course.'
Multiple reports note King Charles’s personal statement of concern and that the royal household is cooperating with investigators.
Several outlets also recount that Andrew had earlier been stripped of certain styles and duties and moved out of Royal Lodge.
Andrew remains in the line of succession in the absence of parliamentary action.
Andrew succession options
Government ministers and Whitehall lawyers are reported to be preparing potential legislative routes to bar Andrew from the line of succession.
“The Press Association reports the government will consider legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor from the royal succession once a police investigation into him finishes. ... Any removal would need an Act of Parliament and the consent of other Commonwealth realms.”
Every outlet that addresses the legal path stresses this would require primary legislation and consultation with the other Commonwealth realms where the sovereign is head of state.
Officials and legal commentators warn the change would be complex and slow.
They say ministers expect to await the outcome of police inquiries before tabling any formal proposals.
Public and political reaction
A widely reported YouGov poll cited across outlets found roughly 82% of respondents want Andrew removed from the succession.
Several party figures and commentators have publicly urged his removal or questioned whether he should retain any royal role.
Coverage ranges from reports of local public anger and calls for immediate action to sober legal analysis of how difficult legislative removal would be.
Succession claim verification
On the specific claim that 'Defence Minister Luke Pollard demands the UK government remove Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor from the line of succession now': that demand does not appear in the provided source excerpts.
“Ministers are pressing to remove Prince Andrew from the line of succession, but doing so would require an act of Parliament...”
None of the supplied snippets, across mainstream, regional and international outlets, quotes or reports a demand by a Defence Minister named Luke Pollard.
Given the absence of that name or quoted demand in the sources you provided, I cannot confirm or attribute this demand to a government Defence Minister based on these articles.
The sources instead report ministers, legal advisers and party figures broadly discussing possible legislative steps and public calls for removal.