In the latest installment of the Royal soap opera, Buckingham Palace has sent a rather unsubtle message to Prince Harry: "You're not welcome at Princess Anne's Garden Party for ex-servicemen."
Ah, the drama! It's akin to observing a regal rendition of high school, complete with cliques, icy glares, and, naturally, the coveted cool kids' table, where Harry and Meghan certainly do not find a seat. As the Grand Old Buckingham Palace gears up for this illustrious event, a tradition since 1921, it's a noteworthy affair, given that it's one of the rare occasions when the palace throws open its gates for a festivity not directly hosted by the Monarch.
This year, Princess Anne, taking a respite from her customary equestrian pursuits, assumes the role of Hostess. The event serves as a nod to the Not Forgotten Association, a charity dedicated to bringing solace to ex-servicemen and women who've fallen on hard times.
Let's rewind to 2022, where we see Prince Harry graciously playing the role of host, mingling and hobnobbing with the veterans. Fast forward to the present, and it's as though he's been ousted from the Royal WhatsApp group. According to Palace insiders, who are never reticent to divulge the latest gossip, Princess Anne's decision to give Harry the cold shoulder speaks volumes, echoing louder than a Meghan Markle interview ensemble. Why the snub, you may ask? Well, it appears Harry's recent exploits and his penchant for doing as he pleases have irked the Royal family.
His relocation across the pond, coupled with the couple's commercial endeavors, have drawn unwanted attention. The Invictus Games, where Harry parades as a champion for veteran support, now come under scrutiny, with whispers of profiteering off the very heroes he aims to champion. Princess Anne's message is crystal clear: the garden party is a tribute to the veterans, not a platform for Harry's latest Netflix deal or Meghan's newest podcast episode. By excluding Harry, she ensures that the spotlight remains firmly on those truly deserving of recognition, not on a wayward Prince who's traded his crown for a Californian zip code.
This snub serves as a poignant reminder of the growing chasm between Harry and the Royal establishment. It resounds with a clear message: "You can't sit with us." And honestly, it's the kind of drama reminiscent of high school that we can't help but relish. Furthermore, it dashes any hopes of a heartwarming reconciliation, particularly in light of Catherine's recent health struggles.
While the world yearned for a fairy-tale ending, the reality is more akin to "Mean Girls" than "Cinderella." Royal historian Richard Fitz Williams weighs in, suggesting that the likelihood of Harry and Meghan cozying up with William and Catherine is as improbable as the Queen joining TikTok. The revelation that Harry and Meghan learned of Catherine's diagnosis through the media, just like us commoners, adds another layer of bitterness to this already sour situation. It's a stark reminder that trust between the parties is shattered, akin to the plate Meghan purportedly threw in a fit of royal rage.
As the gates of the palace close on Harry and Meghan, one thing remains certain: the saga of royal family feuds is far from over. However, for now, the garden party carries on without the Sussex spectacle, ensuring that, at least for a day, the focus remains on the heroes, not on the Royals who seem to have lost their way.
