Americans have responded to reports that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are relocating back to the UK by speculating that the couple will eventually become King and Queen. Despite no longer being working royals, the Duke of Sussex remains fifth in line to the throne, behind his elder brother Prince William and his three nieces and nephews, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
However, it would require something truly remarkable – such as the abdication of the entire family – for Harry to ascend to the throne and Meghan to become Queen Consort.
Social Media Reactions
This did little to deter Americans on the Washington Post Facebook page, however. Ed Bohan wrote: "Good for them..... Mark my words, Meghan will end up on that throne sooner or later." While Kathleen Lubrano declared: "Let the Game of Thrones Begin".
Indeed, William is already reported to be furious at the unexpected move, which was only disclosed to King Charles on Sunday.
Harry and Meghan's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are already enrolled in English schools ahead of the new term beginning in September. The family are planning to settle in a new residence outside London, while retaining their properties in Montecito and Portugal.
Historical Confusion
The reason for the confusion across the Pond seems to stem from history.
Julia Taylor remarked: "There is always a scheme with Meghan, and where ever she goes he follows like a puppy dog. Nobody does a 180 degree turn around unless there's something big in it for them. If they are losing income in the US, and remember that Harry just lost a major lawsuit in the UK, how do they afford to maintain multi million dollar homes in the US and Portugal AND purchase a third home in the UK? They are up to something."
Meanwhile, Beverley Spence stated: "They have to return while Charles is still around. He's too soft. I imagine William would have dealt with the idea differently. They will get the 'half in / half out' that the Queen put a stop to. I wonder how the Brits feel about the tax money they will be spending on Meghan's extravagant lifestyle."
Blunt Responses
Other Washington Post Facebook users responding on the publication's page were rather more blunt, posting "Good riddance", "Toodle-oo!" or "Run out of money I see", alongside numerous comments asking "Who cares?"
Over on the Fox News Facebook page, meanwhile, the response to the major announcement from Meghan, 45, and Harry, 41, proved equally damning. Kathy Everhart commented: "I think they thought they could be royalty in CA....and maybe entertainment moguls. But none of that worked out." Malena Dawn Ramey undoubtedly captured the sentiment of many Americans when she posted: "I haven't given a crap about the royals since Princess Diana".
Should Harry ever ascend to the throne, it would not be entirely unprecedented in historical terms, given the number of second sons who have succeeded to the British Crown throughout the centuries. Among them is the current King's grandfather, George VI, who was thrust unexpectedly onto the throne in 1936 following the abdication of Edward VIII, less than a year into his reign, in order to wed American divorcée Wallis Simpson.
