Prince Harry Retains Key Role
Despite stepping back from royal duties, Prince Harry still holds an important position in King Charles’ succession plan should the need arise. As a designated counselor of state, Harry can step in to assume duties if the monarch is incapacitated.
Counselors Serve Crucial Functions
According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, “Harry is still [a] counselor of state and privy to top-secret information because technically he can step in for the king.” This means that even from afar, Prince Harry remains an integral failsafe for the continuity of the monarchy.
The role of monarchical counselor of the state is bestowed to the sovereign’s spouse and the first four royals in the line of succession over age 21. At this time, those positions are held by Queen Consort Camilla, along with Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Princess Beatrice.
Should the reigning monarch be unavailable to fulfill duties due to illness, absence abroad, or other reasons, these designated counselors of state can formally step in temporarily after approval.
Harrold contends that because Prince Harry still holds this crucial responsibility, he would be kept abreast of pertinent developments out of practical necessity. “If he wasn’t still counselor of state then that would be a very different matter,” the former palace aide remarks.
William Remains the Heir Apparent
While Harry retains an important backup role, big brother Prince William remains Charles’ heir apparent as next in line to the throne. Any long-term substitution would fall to William if Charles’ illness worsened or impeded his leadership.
Still, Harry’s enduring status as an eligible counselor of state keeps him within the folds of the monarchical line of succession if a crisis dictated the need for him to assume temporary royal duties or decisions.
Despite residing abroad with their wife Meghan Markle, this contingency plan ensures Prince Harry stays informed and ready to step in during an emergency requiring stable royal continuity. It exemplifies the Crown’s pragmatic approach to safeguarding its functioning even amid family fractures.