Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to Britain with the ambition of being royal in influence but independent in practice, and if they have any sense, they will have realised in the past month why they cannot have both. The clearest sign came in a row with Buckingham Palace over status, just days into their new life on this side of the Atlantic. Their objection to being called “private citizens” by King Charles was clearly more than a quibble.
Row over status
Unlike a private citizen, their preferred term of “public figure” implies a platform, a profile and a following, and in this case a surname that carries significant weight. Harry and Meghan’s desired label describes what they increasingly appear to actually be building - a rival court in miniature. This is only lent further weight by their schedule since returning to Britain. Since arriving, Harry has filled his diary with “public engagements” not limited to his work with the Invictus Games initiative.
Describing the plans as an “annual programme” is the language of a permanent operation. A remark from a source to Woman & Home suggesting the couple have “no intention” of “fading into obscurity” seems to be the most honest summary of their intentions thus far. If their goal was simply to be close to King Charles as he continues to receive cancer treatment, there would be no need to fight over titles, or for the choreographed photo and video releases showing a happy family settling into a new life.
Silence on memoir
Harry’s silence on Earl Spencer’s memoir of Princess Diana is also revealing. He has kept his mouth firmly shut on reports that the King said “we’ll forget her soon enough” after his mother’s death, and his uncle has outright said the duke is “fine” with the inflammatory book. It is an odd choice for a son who supposedly came home to be close to a father undergoing cancer treatment. Either that reason was never the whole story, or it has been overshadowed by something else.
Many will draw a parallel between the Sussexes’ homecoming and the financial shortfall presumably left by the end of major Netflix and Spotify deals. It is a sad state of affairs for a family that has already suffered through years of estrangement. Relations with William and Kate reportedly remain cold, and this will not warm them. And Harry and Charles appeared to be making progress in rebuilding their relationship over the summer, yet he and Meghan now seem willing to risk it all.
Risk of division
The late Queen and the King were both adamant about Harry and Meghan not abiding by a “half in, half out” arrangement. They were clear the Crown is not a revolving door for commercial ventures - a line the Sussexes appear intent on testing. If they keep going the way they are, all that lies ahead is certain embarrassment and deepened division from their loved ones. They should stop while they still have the chance.
