Angela Ivon, a renowned royal commentator known for her thought-provoking insights, has sparked fresh controversy with a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
In her latest commentary, Ivon has ignited speculation surrounding Prince Harry's ongoing relationship with the royal family, specifically casting doubt on his future role as a Counsellor of State. Her pointed remark, "The bill has been passed," refers to the current lineup of Counsellors of State, which includes Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Harry, the Duke of York, and Princess Beatrice.
Traditionally, only active working members of the royal family are called upon for these responsibilities, leading to heightened scrutiny of whether Harry, who has largely distanced himself from royal duties since his 2020 departure, might soon be excluded from this prestigious role.
The position of Counsellor of State holds significant importance within the monarchy. These designated individuals have the authority to carry out most of the sovereign's official duties, such as attending Privy Council meetings, signing official documents, and receiving credentials from new ambassadors to the United Kingdom. According to the law, Counsellors of State include the sovereign’s spouse and the next four adults in the line of succession, provided they are over the age of 21. In 2022, revisions to the Regency Acts of 1937 and 1953 expanded this list to include Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh, signaling a shift towards involving more senior working members of the royal family.
Despite the legal framework, the practical reality is that only royals actively engaged in official duties are typically called upon to perform these functions. This raises questions about Prince Harry’s future role, particularly as he approaches his 40th birthday on September 15. Speculation has grown over whether Harry will return to the royal fold, with reports from the Mail on Sunday suggesting that he has been exploring ways to re-establish ties with the family. Sources have claimed that Harry has been in contact with former aides and friends to discuss potential avenues for a partial reintegration. However, any potential return is likely to be fraught with challenges, including the possibility of needing an apology from his estranged brother, Prince William.
Despite ongoing rumors, a source close to Prince Harry has told the UK’s Mirror that the Duke remains primarily focused on his life in the United States. The insider stated that while Harry is willing to assist his father, King Charles III, in a temporary capacity if necessary, he would require a sincere apology from William before considering any formal involvement in royal affairs. This suggests that, for the time being, Harry is more invested in pursuing success with his projects in the U.S. rather than seeking a full return to royal life.
Further intrigue surrounds Harry's recent moves, as reports indicate that he has been seeking advice from old friends and former British associates. According to the Mail on Sunday, Harry is stepping back from Hollywood's influence and is instead turning to his trusted British confidants. This shift in his circle of advisors suggests that he may be reassessing his strategy and contemplating a new approach to his public image and future endeavors.
Prince Harry's role as a Counsellor of State remains uncertain, and the broader question of his place within the monarchy continues to spark debate. As speculation about his reconciliation efforts persists, the ongoing drama surrounding his future within the royal family is far from resolved. With each new development, it becomes increasingly clear that the story of Harry's evolving role in the monarchy is still unfolding, and his next steps will be closely watched by the public and media alike.
