Royal Dilemma: King’s Decision to Retain Prince Harry as Councillor of State Raises Questions

King Charles' deputy secretary, Dr. John, recently made a significant announcement regarding Prince Harry's status within the royal family.

Despite not consulting his council of state, the King has made a firm decision to keep Prince Harry tied to an important royal role, causing speculation and concern among royal experts.

It is believed that King Charles departed Buckingham Palace with apprehension over the unconventional choice to retain Prince Harry as one of his councillors of state, even after removing him from his UK residence.

The Duke of Sussex, although no longer an active member of the royal family, continues to hold the position of councillor of state under King Charles.

This decision has placed both the King and Prince Harry in uncharted territory, as the monarch navigates the complexities of maintaining Harry's royal status while he resides outside the UK.

As a councillor of state, Prince Harry holds a crucial role within the royal hierarchy, being one of the few individuals eligible to step in and rule if the need arises.

Dr. Craig Prescott, a constitutional law expert, shed light on the unprecedented nature of Prince Harry's situation.

The concept of a senior royal choosing to distance themselves from royal duties poses legal challenges that Buckingham Palace may find disconcerting.

Despite having the authority to remove Prince Harry as a councillor of state through legislation, King Charles opted to retain him, leading to internal dilemmas within the palace walls.

According to legal provisions outlined in the Regency Act, councillors of state must have a UK domicile, a requirement that Prince Harry currently does not fulfill since stepping back from his royal duties in 2020.

The process of removing Prince Harry from his role as a councillor of state involves more than a mere decree from the King; it necessitates amendments to existing legislation and public discourse on the criteria for eligibility.

In response to the complex situation, King Charles appointed Dr. John Sirabji, a renowned constitutional law professor, as his deputy private secretary to provide legal counsel on matters concerning councillors of state.

One of the solutions devised by the King was to appoint Prince Hassan and Prince Edward as lifetime councillors of state, expanding the pool of eligible individuals and reducing the likelihood of Prince Harry being called upon to fulfill the role.

While some individuals advocate for drastic measures against Prince Harry and Meghan, such as stripping them of titles and excluding Harry as a councillor of state, the King's approach emphasizes minimal yet effective solutions.

By maintaining their titles and adjusting the composition of councillors of state, the royal household aims to mitigate potential conflicts without resorting to extreme actions that could strain relations within the royal family.

In conclusion, King Charles' handling of Prince Harry's role as a councillor of state reflects a strategic and pragmatic approach aimed at preserving harmony within the royal family while addressing legal constraints.

By implementing measured adjustments and seeking expert advice, the King demonstrates a commitment to upholding royal traditions while adapting to evolving circumstances.