Richard Eden, the Diary Editor of the Daily Mail, spoke on the show "Palace Confidential" about the strained relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the British Royal Family. According to Eden, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who moved to the US in 2020 after stepping down from senior royal roles, are now regarded as "irrelevant" within the royal orbit.
According to Daily Mail, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s place within the Royal Family continues to waver as opportunities for their return diminish under the current and future reigns.
Richard Eden’s insights highlight that the couple’s maneuver to North America has marked them as outsiders. As "not wanted" members of the monarchy, their chances of reintegration are fading, especially with the impending royal transition with Prince William’s future ascension to the throne.
In a poignant revelation, Eden mentioned that the window for the Sussexes, particularly Harry, to mend relations and their role in the royal setup might narrow further once Prince William becomes king. The view among royal insiders is that William may not allow his brother to reassume a significant role in the Royal Family. Eden highlighted a notable overlap between Meghan’s brand promotion and a royal event involving the Princess of Wales, which was seen as an overshadowing move.
This year, Harry and Meghan weren’t seen at the traditional Trooping the Colour that honors the monarch’s birthday, showcasing a symbolic distancing from royal commitments that were once central to their lives. Previous years, including the period between 2018 and 2019, saw them actively participate in these events, contrasting sharply with their current estrangement.
An event that particularly stung the royals was Meghan’s choice to unleash promotional material for her brand right before the Princess of Wales, Catherine's, appearance at a crucial event. Eden described this as "very embarrassing," pointing to a possibly intentional timing that could be interpreted as a slight to the royal family.
Moreover, communication between the Sussexes and the Royal Family appears fractured, as asserted by Rebecca English, who noted an absolute "breakdown" in trust and dialogue. These communication barriers exacerbate the already complex landscape that Harry and Meghan navigate.
In a recent visit to London, Prince Harry chose not to accept lodging at a royal residence, citing security concerns. This move further emphasizes the ongoing tensions and the protective measures he feels necessary to undertake even when dealing with family matters.
Their departure in 2020 was a stark shift from what had once been envisioned for the Sussexes, particularly Harry. Richard Eden recalled expectations that Harry would join Prince William in sharing familial royal duties especially as each brother expanded their own families.
Upon reviewing the growing divide, it’s clear that the contours of this royal relationship are being redrawn. The dialogue about Harry and Meghan's future with the Royal Family, particularly under successive reigns, reflects not only personal choices but also the evolving narrative of monarchy and its engagements in public and private spheres.
The ongoing scenario involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle paints a complex portrait of loyalty, obligation, and individualism against the backdrop of Britain's centuries-old monarchy. Time, tradition, and personal decisions will tell if the doors of Windsor will ever reopen for the couple, or if they will continue on their independent path, writing a different kind of royal history.
