Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK has been accused of damaging King Charles's reputation by a royal commentator. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to Britain in August with their children and have spent the last few months settling back into UK life.
While the King has made it clear that their return will not result in their reinstatement as working royals, he has not said much else. Instead, it is believed he has privately welcomed his youngest son back with open arms, despite not having met since the relocation.
Commentator Says King's Popularity Would Be Boosted by Stripping Titles
Although this is good news for the King and Harry on a personal level, one royal commentator believes the monarch's reputation may be suffering as a result. This is because many people in Britain do not approve of Harry and Meghan, and therefore the King's lack of action against them may be harming his own reputation.
This is the opinion put forward by the Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden, who thinks the King would be more popular if he stripped Harry and Meghan of their titles. Speaking on Palace Confidential, Eden said that while the King's popularity rankings remain high, he thinks they could be higher if it weren't for Harry and Meghan.
He said: "I think they have damaged his reputation because he hasn't dealt with the issue. He's seemingly welcomed them back, and they are not popular, and in my opinion his popularity would be boosted if he took action to strip Harry and Meghan of their titles."
Controversial Years Since Stepping Back
King Charles is unlikely to ever strip Harry and Meghan of their titles, which they still hold despite not being working royals. This is because it has been six years since Harry and Meghan walked away from royal duty and moved to the US.
In this time, the Duke and Duchess have been very controversial, especially after criticising royal life and Britain. These criticisms have been very public, starting with an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.
The couple then did a Netflix docuseries in 2022 called Harry and Meghan. This, the couple said, was the chance to tell their own story about what has happened.
Memoir Damaged Royal Relationships
In 2023, Harry released his memoir Spare, which proved very controversial. This is believed to have damaged some of his royal relationships, including his relationship with his brother, Prince William.
This is because it is believed that the memoir was the final straw for William and that it was enough for him to cut off communication with his younger brother. The brothers still do not talk to one another despite Harry's return to the UK.
King Charles has not commented on his relationship with Harry, and instead has only clarified that his youngest son is not returning to life as a working royal.
