Will Prince Harry Ever Become King? This Royal Rule Says It’s Possible
Prince Harry has made his thoughts on being the monarch clear. However, royal family fans still want to know: Will Prince Harry ever become king? With five people in front of him in the line of succession — Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — his chances are a lot less than they used to be (at one point, he was third in line to the crown). That said, according to one royal family rule, Harry could have a spot on the throne before Prince George.
Up ahead, we take a deep dive into the British line of succession rules, plus the Regency Acts that would allow Prince Harry to become king before Prince George.
Will Prince Harry ever become king?
Even though Prince Harry doesn’t want to be king, he might not have a choice. If Prince Charles and Prince William die before Prince George’s 18th birthday, Prince Harry would step into a royal role he is not too happy about.
According to the Regency Acts 1937 and 1953, Prince George can technically become king if he is underage. However, a regent is put in place to make decisions on behalf of the “king.” Also, Prince George’s actual date of succession wouldn’t be until his 18th birthday — rather than the day Prince William died. But, who would be regent? The law states that the role goes to the next person in line who is at least 21-years-old — aka, Prince George’s Uncle Harry.
Even though Prince Harry is currently sixth in line to the throne, he could still end up making important decisions for the monarchy. And, while he technically wouldn’t become King Harry, he would still have a lot of the same responsibilities until his nephew is old enough to ascend the throne.
British line of succession rules
As the longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has had a lot of time to prepare her family for what happens when she dies. And, according to reports, the first thing on the list is the British line of succession rules. Following her death, a specific succession goes into effect, here’s what it currently looks like:
First in line: Prince Charles
Second in line: Prince William
Third in line: Prince George
Fourth in line: Princess Charlotte
Fifth in line: Prince Louis
Sixth in line: Prince Harry
Seventh in line: Prince Andrew
When it comes to the current line of succession, there are a few things worth noting. Before 2013, the line of succession was dictated by gender, not birth order. That means Prince Louis would actually be fourth in line to the throne over Princess Charlotte. However, in 2013, the Succession to the Crown Act passed through Parliament and put an end to one of the biggest gender bias rules in royal family history.
Also, the line of succession will change once Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal baby arrives. Their firstborn will take Prince Andrew’s seventh-place spot. And, should they have a second child, he or she would be eighth in line to the British throne.
When Queen Elizabeth dies, Prince Charles is automatically king
While a coronation will likely take place a year (or sooner) into his reign, a ceremony is not required for Prince Charles to become king. As it turns out, as soon a Prince Elizabeth is gone, her son will automatically become king. At that point, it is likely that his sons and the rest of the family will bow or curtsy to His Majesty.
Camilla Parker Bowles won’t become a queen
The British line of succession doesn’t include those married into the family. Which is why you don’t see Camilla Parker Bowles, Kate Middleton, or Meghan Markle on the list. However, as soon as Charles becomes king, Camilla’s ranking — and royal title — changes. Right now, Camilla would become Queen Consort. However, Parliament is thinking about making the wives of kings “princess consorts” instead. The same title change would apply for Kate Middleton when her husband ascends the throne.
As for Meghan Markle, it is likely she will never become a queen or princess consort. Even if Prince Harry is regent, she might still be required to keep her duchess status. However, if something tragic happens and Prince Harry becomes the true monarch, it’s possible Meghan would take on the consort title.
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