Princess Anne, in an exclusive interview with CBC News, disclosed that Prince Harry is no longer considered a royal prince.
The discussion revolved around King Charles’ initiative to streamline the monarchy further, particularly after the withdrawal of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Andrew from their royal duties since 2020.
The Princess Royal, in a rare interview that aired on Monday, May 1st, just five days before the upcoming coronation of the King, shared her insights with Canada’s CBC News regarding the reduction of active working royals within the monarchy.
The Queen’s daughter, aged 72, expressed her belief that the existing pool of working royals is already sufficiently small, alluding to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from their royal responsibilities in 2020.
Additionally, Prince Andrew had his HRH title, patronages, and military connections revoked in 2022.
Princess Anne emphasized that the plan to streamline the monarchy is now in effect, indicating that members who fail to fulfill their royal duties will no longer be able to represent the monarchy.
Consequently, during the coronation ceremony, these individuals will assume a guest role rather than participating actively.
Defending the relevance of the monarchy in contemporary times, especially with the impending ascension of a new king on May 6th, Princess Anne underscored the institution’s role in providing long-term stability.
She highlighted the constitutional significance of the monarchy in fostering positive behaviors and interactions among individuals, serving as a focal point for communal service and encouraging enduring values.
Emphasizing the monarchy’s enduring nature, she stressed the importance of sustained commitment and service to the community.
In anticipation of her brother’s coronation, Princess Anne expressed confidence in King Charles’s ability to uphold the monarchy effectively.
When asked about the type of monarch her brother would be, she humorously remarked on his longstanding preparation for the role, suggesting continuity in his approach.
She emphasized the monarchy’s role in maintaining a sense of continuity, service, and understanding of societal needs, highlighting the contributions made by communities and individuals dedicated to public service.
Notably, royal expert Esther Cruick opined that Prince Harry’s status within the royal family has diminished significantly, likening his presence at the coronation to that of a guest.
The Duke of Sussex is expected to attend the coronation solo, as Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, remain in California.
With reports indicating that Prince Harry’s visit to Britain for the coronation will be brief, lasting only 24 hours, he is set to return to the US promptly to celebrate Archie’s fourth birthday with his family.
The forthcoming coronation on May 6th, coinciding with Archie’s birthday, marks a significant event in the royal calendar.
As Prince Harry navigates his evolving role within the royal family, the dynamics and shifting responsibilities underscore the ongoing transformations within the monarchy.
Amidst these developments, the enduring legacy of the institution and the expectations placed on its members continue to shape the narrative of the British royal family.