Prince Harry may have a chance to step into a significant royal role if Prince William is unable to take over from King Charles, according to a royal expert. Although the current succession plans do not include the Duke of Sussex, there remains a possibility of his return to the royal fold under certain circumstances.
A report by The Mirror suggests that concerns over King Charles’ health have led to accelerated succession plans, focusing heavily on Prince William and Kate Middleton. While this has reportedly left Harry feeling sidelined, royal expert Tom Quinn revealed that, in the “unlikely event” that both King Charles and Prince William are unable to rule, Harry “could potentially serve as regent.”
“The idea that William might not be able to take over is a nightmare scenario that nobody wants to contemplate,” Quinn told the publication. However, he added some optimism for Harry’s potential future role, saying, “It is certainly possible constitutionally that Harry would be called upon to be regent in the unlikely event of both Charles and William being out of the picture.”
Quinn further explained that historical precedent supports this scenario, noting, “The last time Britain had a Regent in the early 19th century, we had someone who was an absolute rogue—someone who makes Harry look like one of the good guys. Also, within limits, the constitution takes no account of individual popularity or family rows.”
However, the royal expert clarified that this would not mean Meghan Markle would automatically become queen. Instead, she would be given the title of the Regent’s wife. “Harry would certainly not be passed over without careful consideration if the need for a regent arose, but that would not make Meghan queen,” Quinn said.
He further explained, “She would be the Regent’s wife, nothing else. Caroline of Brunswick only became Queen when the Prince Regent became King in 1820, and with the British constitution, precedent is everything.”
While this scenario remains highly unlikely, it suggests that Harry’s royal role could still be significant in the future if unforeseen circumstances arise within the royal family.