Prince Harry is expected to be formally removed from the line of succession and stripped of his royal titles when Prince William ascends to the throne, according to individuals with knowledge of internal discussions at Buckingham Palace. The drastic move-described by royal sources as already in early planning stages-would mark a definitive and unprecedented break between the British monarchy and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following years of public fallout.
RadarOnline.com reported Friday that King Charles has quietly empowered Prince William to take decisive action regarding his estranged brother's royal standing. "William plans to flex his muscles and wipe his wayward brother, Prince Harry, and his power-hungry wife, Meghan, from the history books," a source told the outlet. The source added that "the palace has already conducted secret meetings with members of the government to discuss putting the plan into action," though the removal would require an act of Parliament.
The development follows escalating tensions since Harry and Meghan relinquished their royal duties and relocated to California in 2020. In the years since, Harry has authored a memoir (Spare), given high-profile interviews-most notably with Oprah Winfrey-and accused the royal family of cruelty and neglect. In Spare, Harry recalled a family joke that captured his perceived expendability: "Wonderful! Now you've given me an heir and a spare-my work is done," he quoted his father, now King Charles, as saying.
Harry's continued criticisms of the institution have deepened the rift. After losing a legal battle over his publicly funded U.K. security detail, the prince told media outlets he was "devastated," stating, "I can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point." He called the decision "a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up" and expressed feeling "let down."
While Harry has expressed a desire for reconciliation in light of his father's cancer diagnosis-revealed in February 2024-royal watchers say the relationship with Prince William remains fractured. "As far as William is concerned, Harry left on his own terms, he lives in America, and he obviously doesn't want to be a royal anymore," said one royal insider. "At this point, William would never allow Harry to be in line for the British throne, and he's ready to take the measures to ensure that."
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said Harry's recent interview attempts to extend an olive branch may have backfired. "The interview was a disaster because the royals feared the Sussexes would go to the press," Fitzwilliams stated. "If he says he wants reconciliation, if there is to be any, it should be private."
The timing of Harry's perceived decline in standing contrasts sharply with Prince William's recent elevation. On March 16, King Charles awarded his eldest son new honors at the Order of the Bath Service at Westminster Abbey-his first as sovereign of the historic order, which dates to 1725. The event underscored William's increasing visibility and responsibility as heir apparent.
Royal insiders suggest Harry's reaction to William's rising stature is mixed with regret. "Harry might be regretting the decision because he still believes he's not born with the same destiny," one source said. Another added, "Harry will never fit to the monarchy as he think it has confined his role."
In his memoir, Harry reflected bitterly on the dynamic. "Two years older than me, Willy was the Heir, whereas I was the Spare. I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B."
