Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the UK, and the prince's uncle, Earl Spencer, has offered a straightforward explanation for their decision to move back, as concerns over King Charles' health continue.
Earl Spencer's blunt take on the Sussexes' move
When asked about the couple's return, Earl Spencer put it to royal biographer Tina Brown: "Is it astounding that an Englishman wants to move back to England?" before adding "I don't think so."
He continued by saying that Harry and Meghan are "just regular people at heart," and so it seemed entirely natural that "this English guy's lived in California, he wants to live in England."
Harry's own explanation and family ties
When asked what had prompted his return to the UK, Harry said there were "lots of reasons" but declined to elaborate further. He told Canadian network CTV: "It's been great. It's been great to be back on British soil. The kids are happy in school and it gives me a chance to be able to really focus on the Invictus Games in Birmingham in July next year."
Earl Spencer expressed his wish to serve as "just an elderly uncle who's there if needed" for Harry and his family during their time in the UK. The Earl confirmed he maintains a close relationship with his nephew, saying: "I mean, it's a matter of public record, and I wouldn't have shared this, but, you know, it's a matter of public record that Harry and his family came to stay with [the Earl's wife] Cat and me this summer. If I'm of any use for things like that, that's fine."
Earl Spencer's book and royal reactions
During the interview, which was organised to publicise the Earl's new book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, Earl Spencer disclosed that he had not discussed the memoir's subject matter with either Harry or Prince William prior to publication. "I took a conscious decision that this was very much... my story, my responsibility," he stated. "I thought if I told my family, my sisters, my nephews, anyone else, they would all have a view, as to content, and what I must include, and what I mustn't."
The Earl revealed he informed his family "on the day of the announcement before it went out, so they got almost no warning."
A source cited by Heat magazine suggests Prince William has responded with anger to certain claims made in Earl Spencer's book, especially the assertion that Charles was "giddily elated" upon learning of Princess Diana's death. William reportedly feels that stories of this kind would only cause distress to the King, and he "fears for his Pa's long-term health."
"This is the absolute last thing that the King needs right now. His health is already precarious, and he's been told to keep his life as stress-free as possible to help in his cancer fight," the source claimed.
The King himself offered a dry remark about his health during a visit to Aberdeenshire, where he was learning about a new renewable energy initiative in the region. Unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion, he said: "It's fantastic to see such a remarkable effort and teamwork and coordination. Whether I shall still be alive by the time you complete it, I don't know!"
