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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Antony Thrower

Prince Harry to lose key royal role after handing Frogmore keys back to King Charles

Prince Harry is set to lose another Royal role as the deadline for him and wife Meghan to vacate Frogmore Cottage passed.

The historic Grade II listed home was the base in the UK for the Sussexes since their wedding in 2018.

Today was the deadline for the couple to leave the Windsor property, with their last remaining possessions shipped to their home in Montecito, California.

However a royal expert explained Harry can no longer act as a Counsellor of State as he does not have a home in the UK.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: "Losing their UK home without a replacement is a huge deal.

The couple moved into Frogmore Cottage after their wedding (Getty Images)

"The most important aspect as far as Harry is concerned is that it means he can no longer act as a Counsellor of State.

"That’s hugely important because in theory he had the right, in the event of the King being incapacitated, to do this.”

Counsellors of State carry out official duties of the Sovereign such as signing documents.

The current Counsellors of State are The Queen Consort, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Sussex, The Duke of York and Princess Beatrice.

Last year Charles proposed that his other siblings Princess Anne and Prince Edward be added to the list.

The proposed change was read out to the House of Lords, which said adding Anne and Edward would "ensure continued efficiency of public business when I'm unavailable, such as while I'm undertaking official duties overseas."

The couple's belongings have been flown to California (AP)

Now that Harry and Meghan no longer have Frogmore it was revealed they would have to come to a "private agreement" with the King if they want to stay at any royal residences in the future.

Harry most recently stayed at Frogmore when he jetted back to London for a three-day visit as part of a court case.

They are understood to no longer have a home in the UK as a result and are expected to have to rely on family, friends or hotels during any future visits to the UK.

Yesterday, courtier Sir Michael Stevens said about the couple's departure: "We can confirm that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have vacated Frogmore Cottage."

He added the property has undergone renovation in recent years, with him further commenting earlier this week: "Thus leaving the Crown with a greatly enhanced asset."

According to reports, it isn't the only residence within the family that is vacant, as several royal properties are said to now be empty, amid renewed scrutiny of royal spending.

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