Royal author Tom Quinn shared insights with The Mirror, revealing that succession planning revolves around Prince William, and Prince Harry would not be privy to the details if his father were to step down early. Quinn stressed that since Harry is no longer seen as an active participant in the royal family but rather as a past member, he would only be notified when the public is informed.
Trust has become a key factor in Prince Harry's potential exclusion from the succession plans. The erosion of trust is believed to stem from Harry's public criticisms of the royal family, including his memoir, where he openly criticized his family members, including his brother Prince William and his father. The author noted that Charles, acknowledging William as the future king, is at the center of the ongoing succession planning. The assumption has been that Charles will remain in good health until his mid-80s before any significant succession planning becomes necessary, but recent events suggest otherwise, with Charles' cancer potentially posing a more imminent threat.
The intricacies of the succession planning remain highly confidential, and Prince Harry's involvement is deemed uncertain due to the lack of trust. The concern stems from the belief that Harry may seek media attention or react negatively if he feels slighted or believes he is not receiving what he believes he deserves. As a result, officials are cautious about involving him in the process.
Prince Harry, however, has expressed a desire to reunite with the royal family and has indicated that he plans to make future visits to the UK. After a brief visit to his father last month, he spoke on Good Morning America, sharing his gratitude for the opportunity to spend time with King Charles. He stated, "Look, I love my family, and the fact that I was able to get on a plane and go see him and spend any time with him, I'm grateful for that."
The potential exclusion of Prince Harry from the succession plans adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate dynamics within the royal family. As discussions continue behind closed doors, the public awaits further developments regarding the future of the monarchy.
