Prince Harry Would Have an Unexpected Royal Title If William Dies Before George Turns 18
If something were to happen to William after Charles's passing, and George is not old enough, he would technically become the sovereign, but wouldn't rule.
Prince George will celebrate his milestone 12th birthday this month on July 22. Given King Charles’s ailing health, Prince William is likely to take the throne sooner than expected, which would mean George, as the second in the line of succession, will also become Prince of Wales soon. However, what happens if William, as monarch, dies before his eldest turns 18? Well, Uncle Prince Harry may have to step into an important role.
If something were to happen to William after Charles's passing, and George is not old enough, the young Prince would technically become the sovereign, but would not rule. Instead, a regent will take over the royal duties until George turns 18. In this hypothetical scenario, the regent will do everything on behalf of George, the monarch. According to the UK laws, the Regency Act of 1937 under the condition when the sovereign is under eighteen says, “If the Sovereign is, at his accession, under the age of eighteen years, then, until he attains that age, the royal functions shall be performed in the name and on behalf of the Sovereign by a Regent.” It also states, “For the purpose of any enactment requiring any oath or declaration to be taken, made, or subscribed, by the Sovereign on or after his accession, the date on which the Sovereign attains the age of eighteen years shall be deemed to be the date of his accession.”
When it comes to the appointment of a regent, the act says, “If a Regency becomes necessary under this Act, the Regent shall be that person who, excluding any persons disqualified under this section, is next in the line of succession to the Crown.” As both Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the third and fourth in line of succession, are younger than George, Harry, as fifth in line, will be appointed as the Regent. However, as per the act, a person can be appointed as a regent only when they are “domiciled in some part of the United Kingdom.” If this were to truly happen, Harry’s appointment could be controversial, as he has already stepped down from his royal duties and moved to the US; a move the UK public is yet to forgive him for.
Some may wonder why Kate Middleton, as Queen Mother, couldn't become the Regent, as she would be perfect to advise, but this cannot happen. According to Woman & Home magazine, the Regent has to be a person born into the royal family and in the line of succession. While Middleton would have a guardianship over her teenage son, she could not hold the position that will be potentially filled by Harry. However, she may be consulted about her son’s reign. The act says, “During a Regency, unless Parliament otherwise determines, if the Sovereign is under the age of eighteen years, and unmarried, His mother, if she is living, shall have the guardianship of His person.” If not Harry, then it will likely be Prince Edward, as both Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are younger than George and do not reside in the UK. Prince Andrew, too, was stripped of all his titles.
