Prince George is considered the spare or next in line to be King, while Prince Harry is not in direct line for the throne due to several factors related to the British monarchy's succession rules. These rules are deeply rooted in tradition and have evolved over centuries to determine the order of succession. To understand why Prince George is the next in line and not Prince Harry, we need to delve into the principles of primogeniture, the line of succession, and the unique circumstances surrounding each individual.
Primogeniture is the traditional principle that determines the inheritance of titles and property by the firstborn child, typically the eldest son. In the British monarchy, the rule of male-preference primogeniture has historically been followed. This means that male children take precedence over their female counterparts in the line of succession. However, in 2013, the Succession to the Crown Act was passed, which introduced absolute primogeniture, ensuring that birth order, rather than gender, determines succession. This change applies to those born after October 28, 2011, which means it affects Prince George but not Prince Harry.
The line of succession to the British throne is based on a complex set of rules. Currently, Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, is the next in line to become King. Following him is Prince William, Charles' eldest son and George's father. Prince George, as the eldest son of Prince William, is third in line and is expected to ascend to the throne after his grandfather and father. Prince Harry, on the other hand, falls further down the line of succession, as he is younger than both Prince William and Prince George.
Another significant factor is Prince Harry's decision to step back from his senior royal duties. In early 2020, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced their intention to step down as senior members of the royal family. This decision, commonly referred to as "Megxit," meant that Prince Harry and Meghan would no longer represent the Queen in an official capacity or receive public funding. As part of this arrangement, Prince Harry also relinquished his place in the line of succession. Therefore, he no longer holds a position that would make him the spare or next in line to be King.
Prince Harry's departure from his royal duties has further distanced him from the line of succession. He and Meghan have since established a new life outside the royal family and embarked on various ventures, including charitable work, public speaking, and media projects. Prince Harry himself has expressed his desire to live a more private life and prioritize his family's well-being.
Prince George is considered the spare or next in line to be King due to a combination of factors. These include the principles of primogeniture, the line of succession, and the unique circumstances surrounding Prince Harry's decision to step back from his senior royal duties. As the eldest son of Prince William and the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George holds a higher position in the line of succession and is likely to assume the role of King after his father and grandfather. Meanwhile, Prince Harry has chosen to prioritize a different path in life, which has resulted in his removal from the immediate line of succession.
