Little-known rule that could stop Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from losing royal titles
An overwhelming majority of Canadians supported the Sussexes in 2020 and they would fight to keep their position in the Royal Family, says Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may face the possibility of losing their titles and order in the line of succession, but there is a little-known statue that could save them.
Under the Statute of Westminster, 1931, changes to the line of succession also requires the assent of the Parliaments of the other fourteen realms of which King Charles is Sovereign.
The Statute of Westminster, 1931 includes a provision that states that any law concerning the succession to the throne or the royal style and titles requires the consent of the Parliaments of all the Dominions.
It is believed that many monarchists in Canada would oppose the Canadian Parliament’s backing of such action against Prince Harry and would request that the Canadian Parliament deny its assent should the matter arise.
Now staunch monarchist Garry Toffoli, the Executive Director of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust, says that he and many other Canadians have a strong connection to the Sussexes and would fight to keep their position in the Royal Family.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have maintained a closer connection to Canada than have the Prince and Princess of Wales,” said Toffoli.
“Canadians remember that the problems regarding the Sussexes began when the Palace (wrongly, I believe) prevented them from living in Canada with royal security and carrying out part-time royal duties.
“The overwhelming majority of Canadians supported the Sussexes’ plans at the time. In one poll in early 2020 over 60% wanted Prince Harry to become the next Governor General of Canada.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left Vancouver Island in Canada for the US in March 2020 after their plans to take on some sort of semi-official role were thwarted.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex settled in Los Angeles at Tyler Perry’s home before moving into the Montecito mansion they currently live in with their two children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland in the guest house.
Despite the couple’s move to the United States, they still hold a place in their hearts for Canada.
Express.co.uk exclusively revealed last month that senior aides fear that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to Canada for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler in February 2025 could lead to a Commonwealth crisis.
According to a well-placed source, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s past comments about their concerns for the association of 56 member states has triggered a number of discussions inside Palace walls about how best to handle the Sussexes’ link to Canada.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent tour of Colombia has been hailed a success by most (Image: Getty)
“Harry and Meghan haven’t exactly been very supportive in the past,” said the source.
“This trip has been flagged as of great importance over fears that any negative sentiments made about the union during their visit could jeopardise the Commonwealth.
“It’s even been discussed that it might be beneficial to get Harry and Meghan back on side in case there are any incidents that occur while they are promoting the Invictus Games.”
