Prince Harry would have been asked to step in to make up for Princess Kate, Prince William and King Charles’s absence from the public eye if he was still a working royal. However, he and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down as full-time working royals at the end of March 2020 and relocated miles away from the royal palaces, making a new life in California.
Over the months that followed, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also widened the rift separating them and the rest of the Royal Family by making damaging allegations and criticism against the Firm and some of its members.
Almost four years after their royal exit, the Sussexes and the Windsors haven’t bridged the gap separating them – although Meghan and Harry are known to have spoken over the phone with King Charles in November to wish him a happy 75th birthday.
Noting the Duke of Sussex would have a very prominent role right now in the Firm had his relations with his family not broken down, commentator Lizzie Cundy told GB News: “Prince Harry was called the spare, so they could call on him on times like they this when they would need him to step up to the plate, but sadly he’s ruined it all.”
Had he still been a full-time working royal, Harry might have been asked to step in at engagements for his close relatives. Moreover, the King could have issued letters patent to appoint him as one of his Counsellors of State – royals who can carry out constitutional duties in lieu of the monarch’s absence.
However, the King established through a new law in late 2022 that only working members of the Firm would be able to take up this key role.
Princess Kate was admitted to hospital last week for a planned abdominal surgery and is expected to remain at The London Clinic for a few more days.
After she is discharged, she will rest and recover at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, and isn’t expected to resume her public duties anytime before Easter.
As a result of the Princess of Wales’s health issues, Prince William has cleared his diary for the next few weeks to be able to assist her and their children.
King Charles is also expected to be unable to carry out public duties for a few days as he underwent on January 26 treatment for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital where Kate is also being taken care of.
A statement by Buckingham Palace read: “The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment. His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”
His wife Queen Camilla reassured the public upon leaving the hospital after visiting the King. ITV royal editor Chris Ship reported the royal wife said: “He’s fine, thank you.”
Despite the strained relationship with some of their royal relatives, Meghan and Harry contacted Kate and the King with regards to their health.
A source claimed to the Mirror: “The King and the Princess of Wales have received support from Prince Harry and Meghan regarding their health. The Duke and Duchess contacted both parties in different ways to pass on their concern and best wishes.”
