The New York Post reported that Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, feels disheartened and bewildered by his estrangement from the British Royal Family and desires to support his sister-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales.
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step back from their royal duties and move to North America. This significant shift has deepened the chasm between them and the senior royals, affectionately known as "the Firm." His recent absence from prominent royal activities underscores his current outsider status.
At the recent 10th Anniversary Service of The Invictus Games Foundation in London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, the Duke expressed his continued commitment to charitable causes despite his separation from royal events. Shortly after, the Trooping the Colour ceremony unfolded without him, marking another year of his estrangement.
A royal insider stated that the lack of communication and fellowship with his family deeply affects Prince Harry. "He's heartbroken and confused by the way they've cut him off and seemingly haven't given it another all thought," said the source.
Prince Harry grapples with his relationship with Princess Catherine, who recently received a diagnosis of cancer. Despite his desire to offer personal support, he finds his opportunities to connect with her painfully limited.
"He was very upset and emotional when he saw the footage of Kate at Trooping the Colour," revealed an insider. Despite the distance and the strained relationships, Harry and Meghan have reportedly reached out, hoping to mend fences with the Princess of Wales.
The 2024 ESPYs will recognize Prince Harry with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service, acknowledging his contributions to veterans and military families worldwide. This accolade, however, might feel bittersweet amidst familial tensions.
Prince Harry's predicament has elicited sympathy and concern from those close to him. The constant reminder of his physical and emotional distance from the family events in London weighs heavily on him. "The fact he’s got to watch on TV or via the internet from 6,000 miles away just made him so sad," the insider remarked.
According to someone familiar with the Duke's situation:
He would have dearly loved to have been there if only to congratulate and support Kate in person on what must have been an incredibly difficult day for her. He’s incredibly proud of her and encouraged that she has very good doctors and appears to be healthy and in good spirits. But, the fact he can’t bond with his beloved sister-in-law in person is a kick in the guts and something he finds incredibly difficult to live with.
In sum, the Duke of Sussex finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with his role outside the royal framework while still feeling deeply connected to his family in the UK.
Despite the accolades and a new life in North America, the desire for familial reconciliation remains strong.
As Harry and Meghan continue to navigate their public and private lives, the complexity of royal relations remains a focal point of their narrative.
Whether or not bridges can be mended remains to be seen, but the longing for family unity endures in the heart of Prince Harry.
