Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's recent publicity move has shed light on Prince Harry's intentions for celebrating his upcoming 40th birthday.
He plans to mark this milestone on September 15th with key royal family members, notably Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Despite his estrangement from many in the royal family, Harry seems set on celebrating with his wife Meghan Markle, their children, and his cousins.
In a conversation with the Mirror, Meghan Markle’s spokesperson Tom Quinn mentioned that if any senior members of the royal family are involved in Harry’s birthday festivities, it will be Beatrice and Eugenie. However, this plan poses a dilemma for Harry. While he values his cousins' presence, he is adamant about excluding Prince Andrew, which complicates matters as Beatrice and Eugenie remain loyal to their father and wish to see him reintegrated into the royal fold. Harry, needing allies, finds himself in a difficult position with clear boundaries.
Moreover, Tom Quinn pointed out that this alliance with Beatrice and Eugenie might cause concern for Prince William and Kate Middleton. A source close to the situation revealed that Beatrice and Eugenie are unlikely to attend Harry’s birthday party. They have distanced themselves from the Sussexes to garner support from King Charles and secure a favorable position for their father, Andrew. They are aware of the necessity to align with the reigning monarch.
Meghan’s camp suggested that Eugenie’s recent gesture of support towards Prince William could play a significant role in mending the ongoing royal feud. This potential reconciliation comes after the success of recent garden parties hosted by King Charles and Prince William at the London residence, which saw strong family support. The Sussex representative believes Eugenie's involvement could be instrumental in healing the rift between William and Harry, whose once-close relationship has been severely strained.
An insider highlighted that both Prince William and King Charles have lost trust in the Sussexes following Harry and Meghan's revelations about royal life. Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have engaged in several high-profile projects, including a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey where they discussed their experiences within the royal family.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, speaking exclusively to the Mirror, stated that the trust was significantly eroded after the Oprah interview, the Harry & Meghan Netflix documentary, and the release of Harry’s memoir, "Spare." The Sussexes' candid disclosures have negatively impacted the royal family’s image, leading to William and Charles's distrust.
Fitzwilliams also touched on the Sussexes' Netflix contract, which is set to expire next year. He noted that with the streaming giant concluding its production of "The Crown," their interest in the Sussexes might wane. This impending contract expiration adds another layer of uncertainty to Harry and Meghan’s future projects and their standing within the public eye.