In a significant constitutional shift, Prince Harry‘s position in the royal line of succession is reportedly under threat due to his decision to live abroad and step back from royal responsibilities.
This revelation has sparked discussions about the implications of his lifestyle choices on his standing within the monarchy.
Sources indicate that the recent Royal Family Summer Summit at Balmoral could address not only the titles held by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle but also the potential removal of their names from the line of succession.
The rules governing succession can be modified by law if a royal member permanently resides outside the UK and ceases to engage in royal duties, according to insights shared with Express.co.uk.
Should this legislative action occur, it might not only affect Prince Harry but could also extend to his children, potentially altering their places in the royal hierarchy.
Robert Blackburn, a constitutional law expert from King’s College London, clarified that while residing overseas isn’t a legal barrier to inheriting the throne, an Act of Parliament could still facilitate Harry’s removal from the line.
Blackburn draws parallels between Prince Harry’s situation and that of Edward VIII, who famously abdicated the throne.
He suggested that Harry appears to have no desire to fulfill the royal obligations expected of him, opting instead for a life away from the royal spotlight.
If the monarchy were to pursue this issue legislatively, it’s likely that Prince Harry would agree to step aside, Blackburn noted.
It’s important to understand that any constitutional change of this nature typically originates from the British government rather than the monarchy itself.
While backbench MPs or peers could propose a private members’ bill on the matter, Blackburn emphasized that such efforts would likely face governmental resistance and never progress beyond initial readings.
The backdrop to this discussion dates back to January 2020 when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step down as senior working royals.
They cited a desire for financial independence as a motivating factor behind their choice.
Since then, the couple has ventured into various projects, including their Netflix docuseries “Harry and Meghan,” Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare,” and their philanthropic efforts through the Archewell Foundation.
Recently, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a four-day tour in Colombia, where they engaged with young people to address issues like cyberbullying and mental health awareness.
Critics may scoff at their attempts to maintain a semi-royal image after stepping away from royal duties, yet their focus on pressing societal issues deserves recognition.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond highlighted the importance of their work, pointing out that raising awareness about the dangers of the internet for children is a vital conversation.
