ARCHIE and Lilibet could one day get called into action as the Royal Family “is hanging on by a thread”, an expert claims.
Prince Harry’s children now call the US home, but they can’t be denied their connection to Britain and the monarchy.
And royal expert Phil Dampier says this is something that may come into effect as the years go on.
In recent months other royals have been asked to step up when King Charles and Princess Kate were out of action – and their spouses cared for them.
One expert said Princess Anne was the “glue” holding the Royal Family together, as she was called in to take the reigns at times.
And while the King is now “supercharging” his schedule as he returns to his royal duties, Phil said this may not be the last time members are pulled up.
Speaking to royal editor Matt Wilkinson for The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Show, the commentator said the Firm is “hanging on by a thread”.
He said this could see Archie, five, and Lilibet, who turns three tomorrow, called in to help.
Phil added that as they children get older, they may start quizzing their parents on why they don’t have a relationship with their dad’s side of the family.
The expert told the show: “The fact they are still seventh and eighth in line to the thrown is quite extraordinary really and you never know one day they might be called into action.
“They might move up the scale.
“It’s all hanging a bit by a thread and I think when they get older they’re going to start asking questions and say ‘how did it come to this? That we haven’t got a relationship with our grandparents or the Royal Family’.”
Earlier this year another expert spoke about how other royals had to step up while the King and Kate were out action.
Both key royals were currently absent from their duties – with Prince William also taking a step back to care for his wife and kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
With three major firm members “falling off the top”” this week”, people were questioning who will show up for engagements.
When the King ascended to the throne, he made Princess Anne and King Edward councillors of state – replacing Prince Harry and Andrew after they stepped down from their working posts.
Councillors of state are picked to carry out duties on behalf of the King if he is ever ill or abroad.
King Charles’ cancer treatment timeline
February 5
Less than a month after Charles’ procedure for an enlarged prostate was revealed, the palace confirmed he had an unspecified cancer.
The statement added that Charles had already begun a “schedule of regular treatments” and was under advice to step back from “public-facing duties”.
February 21
Charles met PM Rishi Sunak for the first time since his diagnosis for a private audience at the palace.
Earlier the same day he’d attended the monthly meeting of the Privy Council.
He was also pictured in his office reading cards and messages sent by well-wishers as he continued his treatment.
March 28
Charles made his first public remarks post-diagnosis.
In a pre-recorded clip shared at the Royal Maundy Service, he said it was “a great sadness” that he was unable to attend in person.
March 31
On Easter Sunday, the King and Camilla were spotted attending a service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
April 26
The palace said Charles – after a “period of treatment and recuperation” – would return to public-facing duties and is gearing up to host Japanese royals in June.
April 30
He visited a cancer treatment centre with Camilla in his first public royal duty since his diagnosis.
May 13
During a visit to the Army Flying Museum in Hampshire, Charles spoke with British military veteran Aaron Mapplebeck who had also undergone chemo.
The King told him he had lost the ability to taste as a result of the treatment.
On the same day, Charles took part in a ceremony handing over his title as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to son William.
May 30
It is announced Charles is expected to take part in this year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony in June.
Princess Anne was then dubbed as the glue holding the family together during this time while Camilla and Wills take care of their spouses.
Royal expert and author Angela Levin has told The Sun that it’s a “very very difficult” time for the family and Anne’s hard-working nature is needed.
She said: “I find it extremely worrying because in a way the Royal Family is a connection to your own family, you know how they progress, you know when a baby has arrived.
“To see three of them fall off the top is very very difficult.
“The late Queen always felt she had to be seen to be believed and if you can’t see the three people at the top it’s difficult.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MARCH 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
“You feel very disjointed from it all.
“I was very concerned that maybe Harry would be next in charge to stand in for the King, this is what I always hoped would never happen.
“You can rely on Princess Anne 100 per cent. She would work extremely hard.
“Edward and his wife would also do a lot but I don’t think the King will be out for long.
“Camilla has already said he can’t wait to get back to work.”
Archie & Lilibet should visit Charles – Expert
KING Charles would get a real “boost” if Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their children went to visit him, it has been claimed.
Chris Ship, ITV’s Royal Editor, has told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Show, how it would be “quite something” if the family reunited.
Chris told The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson: “The relationship is very difficult within that family.
“I think yes, it would be a lot easier if Meghan weren’t there.
“But she is still the King’s daughter-in-law, and they have two children which are the King’s grandchildren.
“You would hope they would all see each other.
“Wouldn’t it be nice if they did bring the kids and they all went to see Grandad because that would really give him the boost?
“Just imagine if Harry and Meghan came over with the children and he got to see them, or one of them, for the very first time – that would be quite something.”