Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down as senior working royals “threw the King’s plans into disarray”, an expert has claimed. They chose to give up their “important roles” for a life in California, with a half-in-half-out approach reportedly dismissed by the late Queen Elizabeth.

King Charles and Prince William are said to be both in favour of a “slimmed-down monarchy”, meaning fewer members of working royals, and Prince Harry was a “key part” of this before he left in 2020.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s departure from the Royal Family means there are now even fewer royals to call on to carry out engagements, and royal commentator Richard Eden said it was a “mistake” to carry on like this.

He wrote for MailOnline: “When King Charles made his plans for a ‘slimmed-down monarchy’, Prince Harry was a key part of them. Harry and Meghan’s decision to quit royal duties has, however, thrown the King’s plans into disarray.

“They were meant to play an important role, sharing duties and patronages with William and Catherine.

“In my opinion, it would be a mistake for William to continue with his plans for a radically slimmed-down monarchy when Harry and Meghan are no longer there to support him.”

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