Prince Harry finds himself in a state of frustration as his royal future takes a hit, with the potential loss of his position as Counsellor of State looming after his decision to step back from his role as a working royal.
The spotlight now shifts towards Princess Beatrice, who palace aides are considering as a possible replacement for Harry in this crucial role.
The tide seems to have turned against Prince Harry recently.
Just a short while ago, Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, faced the loss of their final royal patronages and honorary military titles.
Queen Elizabeth II made it clear that the privileges they enjoyed were tied to their royal duties, a reality the California-based couple could not escape.
In a statement that carried a hint of sharpness, the palace revealed that following discussions with the Duke, the Queen had conveyed that stepping back from royal responsibilities meant relinquishing associated duties.
Notably, these conversations were held with the Duke alone, excluding the Duchess.
After departing from their roles as working royals in the UK last year, the couple agreed to a 12-month review period to explore potential compromises.
The aim was to find a middle ground where Harry and Meghan could represent the monarchy part-time, blending Hollywood with royal traditions.
The absence of Prince Harry as a working royal has created a constitutional challenge for the royal family.
As a Counsellor of State, Harry is unable to fulfill his duties under the current setup.
With four members designated as councillors of state, the void left by Harry’s departure could see Princess Beatrice stepping into this critical role.
Vernon Bogdanner, a government professor at King’s College London, pointed out the limitations of a non-UK domiciled councillor, ruling out Harry and potentially opening the door for Princess Beatrice.
While certain functions of the head of state can be delegated, the need for councillors of state remains crucial in the monarchy’s operations.
The uncertainty extends beyond Prince Harry, with Prince Andrew‘s position also under scrutiny following his withdrawal from public duties amid allegations in the US.
Palace insiders are contemplating the inclusion of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, among the elite royals, recognizing her growing influence within the royal circle.
As discussions swirl around the future of the monarchy, the role of councillors of state gains prominence.
In times of the Queen’s incapacity to carry out duties, the designated councillors step in, a historical precedent seen when the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret assumed responsibilities in 1974 during the absence of the Queen and Prince Philip.
Princess Beatrice, currently tenth in line to the throne, may not be a working royal receiving financial support from the Sovereign Grant, but she maintains ties with various charities and accompanies the Queen on official engagements.
Her professional role at a software company and her familial life at St James’s Palace paint a picture of a royal figure poised to take on greater responsibilities in the future.
The shifting dynamics within the royal family underscore the complexities of succession planning and the need for adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape.
With key figures like Prince Harry and Prince Andrew stepping back, the spotlight now falls on emerging figures like Princess Beatrice and Camilla, signaling a new chapter in the monarchy’s history.
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