The News
Prince Harry Stripped of State Role for Losing UK Domicile
Prince Harry faces yet another blow as he is stripped of his role as a councillor of state due to losing his UK domicile, a position he held despite stepping back from his royal duties.
The recent eviction of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from Frogmore Cottage, their former UK residence, has led to this significant change in Harry's royal responsibilities.
A senior member of Parliament highlighted that without a home in the UK, Prince Harry is no longer eligible to act as a councillor of state in case King Charles is unable to perform his duties as monarch.
The deadline for the Sussexes to vacate Frogmore Cottage was June 30th, marking the end of an era for the couple's official base in the UK.
Their belongings have been shipped to their new home in Montecito, California, leaving them without a permanent residence in the UK.
This absence of a British domicile not only impacts their living arrangements but also has implications on Prince Harry's royal roles.
Royal experts emphasize the significance of losing the UK residence without a replacement, particularly in terms of Prince Harry's ability to serve as a councillor of state.
Despite no longer being a working royal, Prince Harry still held this crucial position, which he has now forfeited by not having a UK home.
King Charles, who has been reshaping the royal landscape, has already revised the rules regarding councillors of state, making Prince Harry's role redundant.
Councillors of state play a vital role in the monarchy, requiring specific criteria to be met.
Individuals must be British subjects of legal age, domiciled in the UK, and not disqualified from becoming monarch.
The recent change in Prince Harry's residency status, with Frogmore Cottage no longer being his home, officially makes him a full-time resident of the United States.
Previously, the councillors of state included Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York, and Princess Beatrice.
The decision to remove Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from Frogmore Cottage, a property they renovated at a cost of £2.4 million, came shortly after Prince Harry's critical comments about the royal family in his book, “Spare.”
The cottage, owned by the Crown Estate, was the couple's last connection to the UK before they relocated to California.
Prince Harry has faced criticism for his portrayal of certain individuals in his book, using nicknames like Bee, Fly, and Wasp to refer to key figures within the royal household.
In the updated version of his book, Prince Harry's descriptions of these individuals were deemed unflattering by royal correspondents.
The intricate dynamics within the royal family and the portrayal of key figures have sparked discussions about the accuracy and intent behind Prince Harry's narrative.
The evolving story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on the complexities of royal life and personal relationships.