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I'm coming to you live from London after safely touching back down in the UK overnight. Now as you may have heard, there has been some talk in recent days about Prince Harry's position in the royal line of succession potentially being revoked. While this may seem like quite a bold claim, there is actually some precedent and legal basis for this to possibly happen.
Constitutional law professor Robert Blackburn, who studies matters relating to the monarchy, spoke out recently on this very topic. According to Professor Blackburn, the royal family does have the ability to remove Harry from the line of succession through an Act of Parliament. While living abroad alone is not an automatic disqualifier, the fact that Harry and Meghan have decided to live predominately in North America and effectively step back from royal duties could allow for Parliament to intervene.
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We've seen several instances in history where Acts of Parliament were passed to either change or impose conditions on the line of succession. Most notably in 1936, the law was changed to allow Edward VIII's successor to be his younger brother Albert instead of his daughters, as females were not allowed to reign at that time. So there is clear precedent here for parliamentary involvement when it comes to succession matters.
However, Professor Blackburn emphasized that any change would require the British government to introduce new legislation. The royal family themselves could not directly alter the succession without government backing. So while pressure could be applied by the Palace, it would be up to politicians to put forward the bill. Blackburn suggested one option might be adding an amendment to the existing Regency Act regarding eligible counsellors if the monarch was unable to rule.
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As we know, the British government and royal family work very closely together, especially on issues affecting the institution of the monarchy. Both parties are keen to ensure stability and protect the long-term future of the House of Windsor. Given the difficulties caused by Harry and Meghan's exit from royal life and criticisms of the institution, there would likely be appetite on both sides to remove the couple from prominence on the succession line as a symbolic move.
However, any attempt to fully remove Harry would surely provoke a major backlash. As the only son of the future king, Fifth in line, and grandson of the current monarch - public opinion would likely side strongly with Harry retaining at least some role. Yet downgrading his status from a core working royal to a more distant family member on paper could be presented as a fair compromise sanction for his actions.
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So while outright removal seems unrealistic, striking Harry from the immediate succession while keeping him lower down is a feasible option if both parties agreed. This would still minorly punish him while allowing for the monarchy to save further reputational damage from any future interviews or tell-all publications from the Sussexes. The Queen is said to want the matter settled privately, but the government changing legislation provides a clear public rebuke.
Some key factors that could influence such a move - Harry and Meghan's upcoming Netflix docuseries and any criticisms of the Royal Family will only foster more institutional resistance. Likewise, their next trip to the UK for charity events in September presents an opportune moment, as it's believed concerns will be raised over lucrative deals being pursued on British soil.
Furthermore, Andrew's full removal from public life also sets a clear precedent that royal status can be stripped. With further allegations still swirling, distancing himself helps prevent further tainting the Windsors. Likewise, the media will keep probing for royal "exiles" like Harry and will cheer any limitations on their privileges following self-imposed distancing from duties.
Of course, Harry himself would strenuously oppose voluntary abdication of his place. But as we've seen with the security dispute, the Sussex camp's demands are consistently rejected in favour of asserting royal authority. With King Charles reportedly wanting a "slimmed down" monarchy, placating dissenting family branches becomes less of a priority.
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Ultimately, only time will tell if moves are made, but it's hard to believe steps won't be taken to curb the influence of royal "renegades." Perhaps down the line if reconciliation occurs and Harry demonstrates a willingness to support the Crown once more, reverting changes may become possible. But for now, limiting succession prospects seems a likely way to restore the desired tone of duty and service at the top of the Windsor line of succession.
It will certainly be intriguing to see if any announcements regarding Harry's position emerge from the rumoured Royal family summit planned for later this summer. Diana would surely be dismayed by the rift that has emerged, but the monarchy has shown it will protect institutional stability over familial ties when deemed necessary. As ever, the relationship between the Crown and its loose cannons remains one to watch closely.
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