The tides have certainly turned for Prince Harry, once a beloved figure in the royal family and now facing potential exclusion from the line of succession.
Once celebrated globally, Harry’s reputation has dramatically shifted as he seems to have traded his royal duties for a life outside the UK, influenced by his wife, Meghan Markle, whose previous acting career has been far from stellar.
This week, he’s been dubbed the “royal zero,” with critics questioning his loyalty to the monarchy.
Recent reports suggest that Harry’s position as fifth in line to the throne is at risk due to his permanent residency in the United States and a noticeable absence from royal responsibilities.
The Royal Family is reportedly convening at Balmoral to deliberate on the implications of this situation, including the possibility of stripping Harry and Meghan of their titles, which could extend to their children, Archie and Lilibet.
A source close to the royal family revealed that the order of succession could potentially be reformed through legislation if a royal family member resides permanently outside the UK and neglects their royal duties.
Historically, there have been instances of shifts within the succession line, indicating that changes are not unprecedented.
The question arises: why has it taken so long for these discussions to materialize?
When Harry and Meghan announced their desire to step back from royal life in 2019, following a grace period granted by Queen Elizabeth, many felt that their titles should have been reassessed.
After they chose not to return to royal duties in March 2020, it seemed logical to suspend their titles—especially given their transition to private citizens.
The argument is made that until there’s clear proof of their children’s lineage, Archie and Lilibet should not remain in the line of succession.
The notion of American-born children in the British royal line raises eyebrows, particularly as no formal connection to the royal family has been established.
Critics argue that the couple’s past misrepresentations cast doubt on any documents they might present.
Robert Blackburn, a constitutional law expert, pointed out that while residing abroad doesn’t automatically disqualify Harry, Parliament could still intervene to remove him if deemed necessary.
The dynamic between King Charles and Parliament appears to be complicated, with each party seemingly reluctant to take definitive action.
Some speculate that King Charles may be hesitant to act due to the personal stress it would entail, especially considering his health.
It’s possible that he’s waiting for a more opportune moment, perhaps when Prince William ascends the throne, to address the situation.
William, who reportedly feels exasperated by Harry’s actions, may eventually be the one to tackle this issue head-on.
Many believe that it falls to King Charles, as Harry’s father, to resolve these family tensions.
If left unaddressed, the prolonged uncertainty could further tarnish the monarchy’s image.
In a recent turn of events, the brief removal of Harry and Meghan’s titles from the royal website was seen as a small victory for those advocating for change.
However, their swift reinstatement was met with disappointment.
This back-and-forth raises the question: does King Charles recognize the public’s desire for decisive action?
Switching gears, Meghan Markle has also found herself under scrutiny this week.
With Victoria Beckham’s new documentary series gaining traction, Meghan seems to be fading into the background.
Ironically, Meghan was spotted wearing a Victoria Beckham shirt, only to have it marred by sweat—an unfortunate symbol of her ongoing struggles to connect with high-profile figures.
Many are left wondering whether Meghan’s attempt to wear Beckham’s design was a genuine effort to mend fences or simply a misguided move.
The media’s portrayal of their relationship as amicable appears misleading, as Meghan continues to grapple with maintaining meaningful connections in her new life.
As the drama unfolds, viewers are encouraged to stay tuned for more insights into the lives of Harry and Meghan, as the royal family navigates these turbulent waters.
The future of their royal status hangs in the balance, and public opinion may play a crucial role in shaping the decisions ahead.