These Are The Royals Who Will Likely 'Step Forward' In Place Of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry

With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down, there’s bound to be some leftover work that needs to be picked up by other members of the royal family.

Luckily, it seems there are more than a few waiting in the wings (no, not Kate Middleton or Prince William) who are ready and willing to step up to the plate.

Royal historian and consultant for Netflix‘s The Crown Robert Lacey explained to HELLO!:

“It’s quite clear that one of the consequences is that Beatrice and Eugenie will now be brought forward – if they’re willing to be brought forward. If two go out, two have got to come in, and those two have got to be [Princess] Beatrice and [Princess] Eugenie. I’m sure they will step forward and be greatly welcomed. It’s what the family needs as it’s another 15 years before Prince George‘s generation steps up. It’s ironic that Harry mentioned his cousins as models of how he wants to be.”

In case you need a royal refresher, the 31-year-old and 29-year-old are the daughters of Prince Andrew (oof) and Sarah Ferguson. Although they have been less in the spotlight than their cousins William and Harry, they are ninth and tenth, respectively, in line of succession to the British throne.

There are four other royal cousins — Princess Anne‘s children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, and Prince Edward‘s children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn — who could be eligible for taking on added duties, BUT they have not had as active roles in the monarchy as Beatrice and Eugenie historically have. In addition, the aforementioned four do not use HRH titles (remember, Meg and Harry will not either moving forward) per the requests of their parents at the time of birth.

It’s no surprise William won’t be taking on any of the duties the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are leaving behind considering he’s got his hands pretty full as it is. As we previously reported, the 37-year-old was recently appointed the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland by Queen Elizabeth II.

Basically, he is now his grandmother’s personal representative to the Church of Scotland and will carry out ceremonial duties, plus attend events and other engagements. Not to mention, all of his other responsibilities and being a dad to three!

Thoughts on all this, Perezcious readers?? Think Beatrice and Eugenie will be a good fit?

[Image via John Rainford/Dutch Press Photo/WENN.]