King Charles has issued his first public statement to the Commonwealth Nations following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, which reportedly upset the monarch.
As the head of the Commonwealth, King Charles addressed the Fourth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conference. His message was shared on the group's official X account, emphasizing the interconnected future of all nations and the need for bold and determined action. The conference, held from May 27th to 30th, 2024, in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, focused on charting a course towards resilient prosperity and assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development goals, including the 2030 Agenda.
This marks King Charles's first direct message to the Commonwealth Nations following Meghan and Harry's trip to Nigeria, which reportedly upset both the King and Prince William. King Charles is reportedly determined to prevent Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from undertaking further tours across the Commonwealth, especially after the apparent success of their unofficial visit to Nigeria. The Sussexes recently concluded a three-day trip to Nigeria, where they highlighted their Archewell Foundation and engaged with key figures in the African nation. Although their tour seemed to proceed smoothly, the King was said to be incensed by the visit, fearing that the couple's actions could disrupt the stability of the Commonwealth.
A source close to the royal family suggests that King Charles finds himself in a difficult position. While he desires to strip Meghan and Harry of their royal titles, he hesitates due to concerns that such actions may be perceived as vindictive. Nevertheless, he is determined to prevent any future trips by the Sussexes to other Commonwealth countries. Despite stepping back from official royal duties and relocating to the United States, Harry and Meghan are now positioning themselves as diplomats, as evidenced by their Nigeria trip. Unlike traditional royal visits coordinated by the British Home Office, the Sussexes organized this trip independently after establishing connections with Nigerian military leaders.
The source also suggests that King Charles may employ discreet methods, such as back channels, to obstruct future invitations to Commonwealth nations for the couple. However, this task is expected to be challenging. The King and Prince William are concerned that Meghan's assertiveness could make them more popular than other members of the royal family who maintain a lower profile. The Sussexes' visit to Nigeria follows their attendance at a film premiere in Jamaica, where they were photographed with the country's pro-Republic Prime Minister amid discussions about Jamaica's potential transition to a republic.
The Sussexes' inclination towards political engagement, including Meghan's direct involvement in advocacy efforts and lobbying U.S. lawmakers for parental leave, has further fueled apprehensions within the royal family. These actions run counter to the expectation of political neutrality among working royals. In summary, King Charles has reportedly taken measures to curtail Harry and Meghan's involvement in Commonwealth affairs, concerned about the potential ramifications for the monarchy and its relationships with member nations.
