Prince Harry stirred controversy when he chose not to join in singing the UK's national anthem during his recent visit to Nigeria alongside Meghan Markle.
Concluding their three-day tour, the couple attended a charity event where the British national anthem played. While everyone else sang along, Prince Harry and Meghan stood silently, prompting raised eyebrows. Notably, the anthem, "God Save the King," holds significance as it honors Prince Harry's own father, King Charles.
Commenting on their reaction, Paul Burl, Princess Diana's former butler, expressed bewilderment during an appearance on GB News with Patrick Christies. Burl pointed out that Prince Harry notably refrained from singing, emphasizing the embarrassment it caused, not just for the couple but also for their country.
During the interview, Burl also questioned the appropriateness of playing the national anthem, given that it wasn't an official royal visit. He suggested that the Foreign Office should advise Commonwealth countries accordingly, considering Harry and Meghan no longer represent the monarchy. Burl expressed doubts about Meghan's familiarity with the anthem's lyrics, highlighting the confusion surrounding their actions. He labeled the Sussexes' behavior as a "clown show," echoing sentiments shared by royal expert Tina Brown.
Tina Brown further elaborated on the implications of Harry and Meghan's actions, suggesting that the monarchy's future hangs precariously. With Harry and Meghan's departure, she emphasized Catherine, the Princess of Wales, as a crucial figure for the monarchy's stability. Meanwhile, reports indicate that King Charles is contemplating measures to prevent Harry and Meghan from making unofficial Commonwealth visits in the future. While he hesitates to strip them of their royal titles, he recognizes the need to curtail their actions to avoid further complications.
Royal expert Tom Quinn elaborated on the delicate position King Charles finds himself in. He emphasized the need to prevent Harry and Meghan from embarking on future unofficial trips while avoiding actions that could appear vindictive. Quinn highlighted the fear that Meghan's rebelliousness might inadvertently make her more popular than other members of the royal family. As such, he suggested blocking any future invitations to the couple to maintain stability within the monarchy.
