Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement announcement captivated the world Monday, but the royal’s betrothment to the American actress belies a more significant development that’s been simmering since the Revolutionary War. Could Britain, somehow, end up under American rule?In a word — sort of.But first, some history. The happy couple met in July 2016 after they were reportedly set up on a blind date by mutual friend Markus Anderson. After months of rabid speculation from the U.K.’s finest tabloids, Harry confirmed the relationship, condemning the sexist and racial undertones in the media’s coverage of Markle, who is divorced and half-black. The prince ultimately proposed in London in early November after receiving the green light from both Queen Elizabeth II and Markle’s parents.Their unlikely courtship raises many questions — how does a royal ask someone on a date? Did they argue at all over the proper pronunciation of the word “schedule”? And how much more fun would the headlines be if she had been cast on the USA show “Royal Pains” instead of the USA show “Suits”?But one question looms above all: Could Meghan Markle ever be the queen of England? And if so, who would have to die and how? The list of everyone that would have to (tragically, of course) abdicate, retire, or die for an American to invade Buckingham Palace is pretty short:
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- Queen Elizabeth II
- Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales and the oldest son of Queen Elizabeth II
- Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Charles’ oldest son
- Prince George, Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s son
- Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s daughter
- The unborn baby of Prince William and Kate Middleton due in 2018