Prince Harry has once again found himself sidelined by the British monarchy, this time being excluded from the Commonwealth Day service—an event that was once central to his royal duties.
King Charles’s decision to leave him out has reignited controversy, with many attributing the snub to the ongoing tensions between the Duke of Sussex and the royal family. However, insiders suggest that the true catalyst behind Harry’s increasing alienation is none other than Meghan Markle. Since stepping down as a senior royal in 2020, Harry and Meghan have repeatedly distanced themselves from royal traditions, with Meghan displaying a particularly open disdain for the institution.
Her now-infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she accused the royal family of racism and neglect, deepened an already growing rift between Harry and his relatives. While Harry maintains that his choices are entirely his own, royal experts argue that Meghan has played a significant role in his estrangement, subtly yet systematically pulling him away from his heritage while advancing a narrative critical of the monarchy.
Royal commentators claim that Harry’s exclusion from the Commonwealth Day service is a direct response to the relentless criticism he and Meghan have leveled against the monarchy. The Commonwealth, a global network of nations historically tied to Britain, was a cornerstone of Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy. It is no coincidence, they argue, that Meghan’s controversial interview implied that the royal family had little regard for diversity—an accusation that cast a shadow over the Commonwealth’s reputation. Many royalists view her remarks as a deliberate attempt to undermine the institution, further justifying King Charles’s decision to deem Harry’s presence at such an event inappropriate.
Adding to the strain are Harry’s recent media ventures, including his Netflix docuseries and his tell-all memoir Spare, which have only widened the divide between him and the royal family. Rather than fostering reconciliation, these projects have fueled speculation that Meghan’s influence is steering Harry toward irreparable estrangement. His portrayal of his family as distant and unfeeling, while simultaneously embracing Hollywood’s elite, has led many to question whether he remains the same prince who once embodied duty and service.
While Harry faces rejection from his family, Meghan remains strategically distant, focusing on personal brand deals and projects that keep her in the public eye. Critics argue that her calculated silence allows her to position herself as both a victim and a master strategist, letting Harry bear the consequences of their joint decisions while she reaps the benefits of their celebrity status.
With King Charles making it clear that Harry is no longer a central figure within the royal fold, the question remains: is this the price Harry must pay for choosing Meghan over his royal heritage? His exclusion from the Commonwealth Day service only reinforces the idea that his transformation from a beloved prince to a controversial exile is now complete. For many royal watchers, Meghan Markle’s influence is unmistakably woven into the narrative of his downfall.
