Prince Harry is currently fifth in line to the throne, just after his big brother, Prince William, and Will’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. But according to Robert Blackburn, professor of constitutional law at King’s College London, the royal family has a precedent and could remove Harry from the line of succession altogether. He said Express that Harry, because he was not fulfilling the duties of a king, could be removed from the running for the throne by an Act of Parliament. He noted that while living abroad was not a complete disqualification for the royal line of succession, the fact that everyone close to the royal family was afraid of being mentioned in memoirs and documentaries did not bode well for Harry.

“Like Edward VIII, Prince Harry does not wish to take on the royal role expected of him and has withdrawn abroad,” Blackburn said. “Presumably Prince Harry would therefore be willing to renounce his place in succession if, for any reason, this became an issue in royal affairs to be decided by law.”

Insider sources also pointed out that a summit of the royal family is planned for this summer, which could not only address Harry’s place in the line of succession, but also the change of his and Meghan Markle’s titles.

“Several Acts of Parliament have changed the law of succession or set conditions for the monarchy, notably the Bill of Rights of 1689 and the Act of Settlement of 1701,” Blackburn explained. “More recently, Edward VIII voluntarily abdicated and was succeeded as king by his brother George VI by Act of Parliament in 1936.”

But it is not in the hands of the royal family alone. Blackburn points out that it is up to the British government to take the first step and introduce a law to change everything that has to do with Harry’s place in the line of succession.

“The only possible scenario, as I see it, is that a government bill is prepared on another royal subject, such as an amendment to the Regency Act dealing with elective Councillors of State,” Blackburn suggested. “And at the same time a clause is added, requested by Prince Harry himself, which removes him from the line of succession, as a sign that he clearly wishes to give up all links with the public work of the monarchy and the royal family.”

Harry and Markle announced in January 2020 that they were stepping down from their roles as senior royals and would “work to become financially independent.” At the time, there was speculation that they would lose their titles as Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but the late Queen Elizabeth allowed them to continue using the title. However, Harry and Markle lost the ability to use their title HRH, His and Her Royal Highness, and enjoy all the perks that come with it, such as designated security.