Where is Prince Harry in the Line of Succession?
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has been a topic of interest for many regarding his position in the British royal family’s line of succession. Born on September 15, 1984, as the younger son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Harry’s place in the line of succession has been a subject of debate and speculation over the years. As the fourth in line to the throne, his position has been somewhat uncertain, especially after his marriage to Meghan Markle, an American actress, and their subsequent move to the United States. This article aims to explore Prince Harry’s current position in the line of succession and the factors that have influenced it.
The line of succession in the British royal family is determined by a set of rules established by the Act of Settlement 1701 and the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. According to these rules, the line of succession is based on the principle of male-preference cognatic primogeniture, which means that the eldest child, regardless of gender, inherits the throne first. If there is no surviving child of the monarch, the throne passes to the nearest living relative in the line of descent.
As the fourth in line to the throne, Prince Harry’s position in the line of succession was initially secure. However, his marriage to Meghan Markle, who is not a member of the British royal family, has raised questions about his place in the line. The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 allows for the inclusion of the monarch’s children’s spouses, but only if they are in line to the throne and have been granted royal assent by Parliament.
In 2018, the British government announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would no longer be treated as senior members of the royal family. This decision was made in part due to their desire for a more independent life and their move to the United States. As a result, Prince Harry’s position in the line of succession has been somewhat diminished.
Despite this, Prince Harry remains in the line of succession, although his place has been pushed further down the list. With the birth of Prince Louis in 2018 and Prince William’s third child, Princess Charlotte, in 2015, Harry is now fifth in line to the throne. His elder brother, Prince William, is second in line, followed by his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
In conclusion, Prince Harry’s position in the line of succession has been a topic of interest and debate. Although his marriage to Meghan Markle and their subsequent move to the United States have affected his place in the line, he remains in the line of succession, albeit in a less prominent position. As the British royal family continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Prince Harry’s position will be affected in the future.
