When it comes to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s relationship with the rest of the royal family, one thing is certain: it is difficult. Words have been spoken and bridges burned over the years, and few feel that any type of reconciliation is on the horizon.
When Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step down from their royal duties, their spokesperson said in a statement: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.”
However, Queen Elizabeth had “written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service,” according to the royal announcement. The statement continued: “While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
The U.K. media, as well as several major worldwide periodicals, have lambasted their decision to leave the royal family, but both Harry and Meghan believe it was the right thing for their family. During the Oprah interview, which sparked outrage on social media, Harry defended their decision to leave Britain, saying he didn’t want “history repeating itself,” alluding to his deceased mother.
According to Meghan, before the split with the Firm, she and Harry allegedly asked for a permission to move to another country in the Commonwealth, perhaps South Africa or Canada. However, the answer was a resounding no.
“Anything to just … because just by existing, we were upsetting the dynamic of the hierarchy. So we go, ‘Okay, fine, let’s get out of here. Happy to,’” Meghan recalled during an interview with The Cut.
In January of last year, Harry released his much-anticipated all-tell book Spare, which sold 1.4 million copies on its first day in the UK, US, and Canada. Spare has been released in 16 languages globally.
“We always knew this book would fly, but it is exceeding even our most bullish expectations,” Larry Finlay, managing director of Transworld Penguin Random House, said.
“As far as we know, the only books to have sold more in their first day are those starring the other Harry (Potter).”
Despite the fact that one of the reasons Harry and Meghan stepped away from their royal duties and left Britain was for privacy and a quieter life, they have continued to give interviews and speak about the Firm’s members.
In his autobiography, Harry said, among other things, that after the birth of Prince George, he was not welcomed into William and Kate’s home in the way he expected, despite the fact that they lived within walking distance of one another. He also called Camilla “dangerous” and mentioned the dispute between Kate and Meghan during Harry and Meghan’s wedding, which the world first learnt about during the notorious Oprah interview, when Meghan claimed that Kate made her weep.
However, now that Charles and Kate both fight cancer, it has been reported that Harry and Meghan reached out to them in separate occasions.
Many people hope that during this terrible period for the royal family, both sides will offer olive branches.
According to royal analyst Ingrid Seward, Meghan Markle has two particular expectations for reconciliation, the first of which is a “groveling apology.” Seward also emphasized Prince William’s position, stating that he expects a sincere apology from Harry for the perceived years of disrespect towards him and Kate.
Another royal analyst, Tom Quinn, dismisses the chance of reconciliation, citing Meghan’s conviction that Kate should have been more supportive during her time as a working royal.
Recent occurrences, such as Kate Middleton’s health problems, have not alleviated tensions. Despite calls for a united family reunion, Meghan’s hesitancy and unsolved issues continue to obstruct development.
Prince Harry’s planned visit to the UK for the Invictus Games anniversary event may enhance engagement, but Meghan’s concerns about her children’s safety and unsolved issues offer substantial obstacles.
Given the complexities of the rivalry and the requests for apologies from both parties, the chance of reconciliation appears remote.
