Prince Harry, who famously stepped back from his royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California with his wife Meghan Markle, has reportedly been excluded from his last remaining royal role as a councillor of state.
This revelation comes from a recent report published by the Daily Mail, which suggests that the government is planning to amend the law that determines who can act as a councillor of state or a regent in the absence or incapacity of the monarch.
Under the current law, the first five individuals in the line of succession who are over the age of 21, along with the monarch’s consort, are eligible to serve as councillors of state.
These individuals are entrusted with certain responsibilities, including signing official documents, attending state ceremonies, and receiving foreign dignitaries.
Additionally, if the monarch is under 18 years old or becomes permanently incapacitated, a regent is appointed from among the councillors of state to exercise the royal authority.
Despite relinquishing his royal titles and patronages, Prince Harry, who stands sixth in line to the throne, technically remains a councillor of state.
However, the government is allegedly contemplating altering the law to exclude him from this role, as well as his uncle Prince Andrew, who is eighth in line and has withdrawn from public life amidst allegations of s**ual abuse.
Furthermore, there are discussions about reducing the age requirement for councillors of state from 21 to 18, thereby encompassing Prince Harry’s niece Princess Beatrice, ninth in line, and his nephew Prince George, third in line.
According to a source close to the government cited in the report, these changes are deemed necessary to ensure the resilience and continuity of the constitutional arrangements, particularly in light of the recent health issues faced by King Charles and Princess Kate, both of whom are currently recovering from hospitalization.
The source asserts that the government aims to prevent a scenario where individuals such as Harry or Andrew could be called upon to fulfill the role of councillors of state or regents, given that they are no longer active members of the royal family and have tarnished their reputation and credibility through their actions and statements.
The aforementioned source also mentions that the government is awaiting an opportune moment to approach King Charles and discuss the proposed changes.
It is expected that the king will support these modifications, as he is eager to streamline and modernize the monarchy.
The source emphasizes that implementing these changes will necessitate new legislation, which must be approved by both houses of parliament and receive the royal assent.
The report has sparked a mixed reaction from the public and the media.
Some commend the government for adopting a sensible and pragmatic approach, while others criticize it for interfering in royal affairs and undermining the monarchy.
Furthermore, Harry and Meghan’s fans and supporters express anger towards the government, accusing it of unfairness and vindictiveness towards the couple and attempting to erase them from royal history.
Harry and Meghan themselves have chosen not to comment on the report.
However, sources close to the couple reveal that they are neither surprised nor bothered by the news, as they have already moved on from their royal roles and are now focused on their own projects and causes.
These sources also assert that Harry and Meghan have never been asked to act as councillors of state or regents, nor do they have any intention or desire to do so in the future.
It is worth noting that Harry and Meghan’s decision to step away from the UK and their royal duties has caused a significant rift and crisis within the royal family and the nation.
Their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, during which they accused the royal family of racism, neglect, and cruelty, further exacerbated the situation.
They have been accused of disrespecting the queen, exploiting their royal titles, disseminating falsehoods, and damaging the monarchy and the nation.
Additionally, they have faced criticism for their opulent lifestyle, political activism, and perceived hypocrisy on issues such as the environment, privacy, and mental health.
Prince Harry’s exclusion from his last royal role as a councillor of state represents yet another blow to his relationship with his family and his country.
It serves as a clear indication of his complete detachment from the monarchy and the British constitution.
Consequently, he has lost the respect and support of his family, his country, and his government, while only gaining ridicule and resentment.