King Charles keeping Prince Harry, Andrew in Succession line amid fear for William?
Prince Andrew and Prince Harry’s continued inclusion in the royal line of succession has drawn sharp criticism, with calls for their immediate removal. Royal commentator Richard Eden shared his concerns in a piece for the Daily Mail, highlighting how their presence undermines the monarchy’s image and raises questions about their roles within the royal hierarchy.
Eden pointed out the paradox of the situation, writing, “Andrew is seen as such a danger to the reputation of the Royal Family that he cannot be seen with them in public, yet he is considered a suitable candidate to stand in for our head of state.”
He added, “Harry, meanwhile, who publicly criticized the royals and betrayed his family with his tawdry memoir, Spare, would be in line to succeed the King if disaster were to strike the Windsors. This situation seems to be the wrong way round to me.”
Eden argued that King Charles should act decisively to strip both princes of their formal roles and their places in the line of succession, suggesting the monarch could still treat them as loved ones in private. “The King should be stripping Andrew and Harry of their formal roles, and their places in the line of succession, while treating them as loved ones in private, if he so chooses.”
Eden also highlighted concerns over Prince Andrew’s judgment, particularly his past associations, such as with Yang Tengbo, an alleged Chinese spy who was reportedly invited to Buckingham Palace multiple times and involved in Andrew’s business dealings.
The commentator warned that King Charles risks appearing weak by not taking decisive action. “Using officials to plead with Andrew to ‘do the decent thing’ and stay out of public view, and even urging his estranged wife, Sarah, to help talk him out of going to Sandringham, put our monarch in the position of a supplicant,” Eden wrote.
He concluded with a suggestion for Charles to assert his authority: “The King should be the one in charge: stripping Andrew of his formal positions, but then inviting him to spend Christmas with his family as a brother.”
The debate underscores ongoing tensions within the Royal Family, as critics urge Charles to navigate these challenges with firm leadership to protect the monarchy’s integrity.