Prince Harry could become King as there is nothing in British law to stop it
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is the second son of His Majesty King Charles III.
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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is the second son of His Majesty King Charles III.
Although he’s no longer a working royal and has moved to California, there is nothing in British law that would take away his birthright.
The Duke remains a Councillor of State, meaning he could be called upon to carry out some of the King’s duties if His Majesty is ill or overseas.
This is unlikely, though, because the Queen and The Prince of Wales are also Counsellors of State, and King Charles has written to British lawmakers to say he’d be happy for his siblings, Anne and Edward, to also take on the role.
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But could Prince Harry ever become King? Yes, technically. Here’s how…
Prince Harry is currently fifth in line to the British throne.
Ahead of him is his older brother, Prince William. The Prince of Wales is expected to be the next King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
William’s three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are also above Prince Harry in the line of succession.
But all three of them are under 18.
If, for example, Prince William tragically died before his time - Prince George would still be our next King.
If he’s still a kid though, he would require a Regent to take on his duty until he comes of age.
This could fall to Prince Harry, but the Duke’s desire to cut ties with the life of a working royal means this is unlikely.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales or indeed William’s cousins (Peter Philips or Princess Beatrice for example) could also be candidates.
For Prince Harry to actually become King, an incredibly unlikely and enormous catastrophe would have to unfold.
Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis would all have to either die or abdicate before that happens.
Then what? Prince Harry, on several occasions, has publicly spoken of his discontent as a working royal.
Being King is a lot more responsibility than he was ever used to as His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex.
Opinion polls suggest his popularity among Brits is at an all-time low - so would they even accept him as the new monarch?
And would they accept Meghan, a former American actress, as their new Queen?
Harry would, of course, have the option to abdicate - paving the way for Prince Harry’s son, Prince Archie to take the throne.
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British lawmakers still have the option to make a law that would remove Prince Harry from the line of succession.
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British lawmakers still have the option to make a law that would remove Prince Harry from the line of succession.
This would be hard for King Charles to give royal assent too because he still loves his son.
If the desire from British lawmakers is there, however, the King may have no choice.
Duty and the crown must come before personal feelings.