The divide between Prince Harry and the royal family seems to be growing, with reports indicating that King Charles and Prince William have cut ties with Harry and excluded him from their affairs.
Royal expert Christopher Anderson shared insights with Fox News, noting that despite Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent return from a three-day trip to Nigeria, the journey bore all the hallmarks of a conventional royal tour, even though the couple claimed it was a private endeavor.
Anderson stated that King Charles and Prince William have chosen to ignore Harry and not let his actions impact them as they face significant challenges. "In a sense, I think that's even more distressing. It's been said that hate isn't the opposite of love; indifference is," he added. The royal commentator pointed out that neither the king nor Prince William are surprised by Harry's overseas excursions, even when accompanied by Meghan Markle.
The Sussexes' visit to Nigeria, during which Markle referred to the nation as "my country," reportedly confirmed the royal family's worst fears. Author and royal expert Tom Quinn told the Mirror that the visit left Prince William and King Charles utterly enraged, with Charles purportedly more furious than ever. Quinn emphasized that the trip mirrored an official royal visit, complete with receptions, school visits, charitable engagements, and meetings with injured soldiers and individuals with disabilities. During their stay, Markle co-hosted a women in leadership event with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, describing the experience as eye-opening and humbling as she explored her heritage.
The couple received over 20 gifts, which they kept since they are no longer senior royals. Anderson noted that the Sussexes traveled with a modest team, comprising a single reporter and photographer, rather than a large entourage. He clarified that Harry and Meghan have significantly reduced their staff and aim to present their overseas engagements as informal and unofficial to avoid overstepping their boundaries.
Anderson speculated that the royal family would continue to ignore the Sussexes for now, choosing to act as though Harry and Meghan don't exist. However, he expressed hope that this stance would eventually soften and that either William or the king might extend an olive branch to Harry. Anderson suggested that finding a legitimate part-time royal role for Harry and his family could greatly benefit the monarchy during these challenging times, although he acknowledged that the current situation looks bleak.
Quinn suggested that the optics of the Sussexes' trip might confuse observers, noting that their speeches and demeanor seem crafted to give the impression that they remain fully-fledged royals, much to the chagrin of William and Charles. "For Charles and William, it's as though Meghan and Harry are asserting, 'We don't require your consent to be working royals. We'll operate on our terms whenever and wherever we choose,'" Quinn elaborated.
Last week, King Charles made headlines by symbolically passing a significant baton to his heir, Prince William, in a ceremony that transcended mere formalities. This act resonated as a powerful demonstration of unity, as noted by a prominent royal expert. This touching gesture of succession occurred following Prince Harry's recent visit to the UK, during which he notably did not engage with either his father or brother, highlighting the contrasting dynamics within the royal family.
The transition saw Prince William assuming the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps from his father, a position King Charles held for over three decades. Jenny Bond, a respected former BBC royal correspondent and expert commentator, shared her perspectives with OK! Magazine, suggesting that the king's actions conveyed a deliberate message regarding the enduring legacy of the monarchy. "The image of the king and the future king together sends out a powerful message about the continuity of the monarchy," Jenny Bond revealed. "I think it was an example of mutual support—the king handing a highly significant appointment to his loyal older son, and Prince William showing that he's ready and willing to take on some of his father's duties as and when the time is right."
