According to royal expert Richard Palmer, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could learn valuable lessons in fulfilling their roles from Prince Harry's cousins, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Zara Tindall.
Palmer's observation highlights the quiet dedication of these royal cousins in upholding the traditions of the monarchy. His remarks come amid uncertainty regarding Princess Catherine's potential attendance at Trooping the Colour, and King Charles's anticipated decision to observe the ceremony from a dais instead of on horseback. Both Catherine and Charles have been undergoing cancer treatment, prompting other members of the royal family to step in and support their official duties.
Last month, Beatrice, Eugenie, Zara, and her husband Mike Tindall assisted Prince William at the Sovereign's Garden Party held at Buckingham Palace, demonstrating their commitment to royal responsibilities. Mr. Palmer, a royal correspondent with 20 years of experience at the Daily Mail, noted that this was a timely demonstration of how other royals can play their part.
None of the cousins is likely ever to be a taxpayer-funded working royal, but they have shown they can step in periodically to support the institution. Palmer added that if Harry and Meghan had not stepped away from the monarchy in 2020, they would have been key figures during this challenging period, potentially altering the roles of other family members who are now in the spotlight.
Palmer also highlighted Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, as prime examples of royals ready to step up. A decade ago, royal aides suggested that Edward, Sophie, and Prince Andrew might not play significant roles when Charles ascended to the throne. Contrary to those predictions, Edward is slated to participate in Trooping the Colour as Colonel of the Scots Guards, a position he assumed from the Duke of Kent. Palmer speculated that individuals like Edward, Sophie, and Princess Anne, known for their extensive official engagements, will continue to dedicate themselves diligently to their duties.
Palmer cautioned that with William's eventual ascent to the throne, identifying those who would stand beside him beyond Kate and their children might pose a challenge. In 2020, Harry and Meghan withdrew from their roles as working royals and relocated to North America. Since then, they have ventured into various commercial endeavors, with Harry leading the Invictus Games and Meghan embarking on her latest project, America Riviera Orchard. Despite speculation, under the terms of their departure agreement from the royal family, neither Harry nor Meghan can undertake official royal duties or represent the monarch.
While Beatrice, Eugenie, Zara, and Mike pursue careers outside the royal family, they remain popular with the public and maintain close ties with the Prince and Princess of Wales. These cousins take pride in their roles within the royal family, seeking not the spotlight for themselves but aiming to shine it on Charles and William instead. This tradition of mutual support has been upheld by generations of royals. Unfortunately, Harry and Meghan have failed to grasp this fundamental principle, according to Palmer.
