Royal Expert Reveals How Harry and Meghan Could Have Been Key to a Slimmed-Down Monarchy

Prince Edward and his wife, Duchess Sophie, have seamlessly taken over the roles once envisioned for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle within the royal family, a royal expert has claimed.

In an interview with the Daily Express, royal commentator Charles Rae explained that King Charles III initially hoped the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would remain integral to the monarchy, taking on significant engagements on his behalf.

However, Rae stated, “Their positions have been filled with great ease by Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex.” Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, Rae elaborated, “One thing that is a pity is that if the fallout had not happened, then Harry and Meghan would have been cornerstones in the new slimmed-down monarchy.

I think it was always the wish for the Royal Family to have the Sussexes play a key role.” Since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and relocated to the United States, the royal family has leaned heavily on other trusted members, particularly Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Duchess Sophie.

Both Edward and Sophie have stepped into a more prominent position within the royal lineup, taking on additional duties to support the King. Last year, King Charles named Prince Edward and Princess Anne as Counsellors of State, granting them the ability to carry out official duties in the King’s absence.

Despite the Sussexes’ departure and their public criticism of the royal institution, Rae predicted that Harry and Meghan’s “repeated swipes” are unlikely to leave a lasting impact on the monarchy. “The Royal Family has weathered controversies before, and I don’t think this will be any different in the long term,” Rae noted.

Since ascending the throne, King Charles has relied heavily on the “slimmed-down” monarchy, placing significant trust in Princess Anne and the Wessexes to represent the family at key engagements and to carry out the royal agenda.

The evolving roles of Edward and Sophie signal a shift in the monarchy’s dynamic, with a focus on stability and continuity amid changing circumstances. The couple’s steady presence has helped fill the gap left by Harry and Meghan’s departure, ensuring the royal family’s commitment to its duties remains strong.

While the Sussexes have carved out a new life in the U.S., their absence has opened the door for Edward and Sophie to step into the spotlight, further solidifying their importance within the royal framework.