Prince Harry Sidesteps Royal Crisis Questions During Middle East Visit
Prince Harry has humorously deflected questions about the ongoing crisis surrounding his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, during a television interview in Jordan. The Duke of Sussex, currently on a humanitarian tour with Meghan Markle, was directly approached about family matters but chose to focus instead on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Avoiding Family Discussions During WHO Interview
The Channel 4 interviewer explicitly acknowledged Harry's reluctance to discuss his uncle or family troubles back in London, stating the prince was in Jordan to avoid distracting from his work with the World Health Organization. When asked about Gaza, Harry responded with a wry laugh, commenting on the relentless pace of news coverage.
"There is a lot of stuff in the news," Harry remarked. "It goes at an incredible pace and what's been happening in that region has been going on for a long time and it drops out of the news. So I think it was a really important time for us to collaborate and come here and shine a light and focus on the very real humanitarian catastrophe that has happened and continues."
This marked Harry's first public reference to his disgraced uncle since Andrew's arrest last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Andrew was released under investigation after eleven hours in custody, with police confirming they had completed searches of his former Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge.
Political Fallout and Royal Distancing
The arrest has triggered significant political repercussions in Westminster. MPs recently backed a Liberal Democrat motion calling for the release of documents concerning Andrew's 2001 appointment as a UK trade envoy. Trade minister Chris Bryant condemned what he called the former prince's "self-aggrandisement" and "self-enriching hustle." Ministers indicated they would not obstruct efforts to shed light on the role that earned Andrew the nickname "Air Miles Andy" due to frequent taxpayer-funded international trips.
Meanwhile, Harry has maintained careful distance from the family crisis during his Middle Eastern tour, which has included visits to conflict victims and medical facilities. However, the trip has not been without its diplomatic complications.
Jordanian Royal Family Apparent Snub
Despite strong historical ties between the British and Jordanian royal families, Harry and Meghan appear to have received notably different treatment during their visit. King Abdullah II, who shares a close relationship with King Charles and was a special VVIP guest at the coronation, did not schedule any public meetings with the Sussexes.
Sources in Jordan confirmed to the Daily Mail that no meeting was scheduled between the Duke and Duchess and the Jordanian Royal Family. The only royal encounter occurred briefly with Princess Basma Bint Talal, an aunt of the current king, during a visit to a Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development venture.
Instead, King Abdullah chose to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is leading the Sussexes' trip. Official photographs showed the king in talks with the WHO chief and a substantial delegation, but conspicuously absent were Meghan and Harry, despite their charity Archewell Philanthropies partnering with the WHO.
Tour Activities and Fashion Choices
The Sussexes' Jordan itinerary included multiple humanitarian engagements providing numerous photo opportunities. They attended an event at the British Ambassador's residence with WHO officials and embassy staff, though critics branded this "entirely inappropriate." The couple also visited the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts in Amman, where Harry left a written message of support.
During the rehab centre visit, Meghan opted for accessible fashion over haute couture, wearing a £109 Zara jacket. This contrasted with the traditional royal welcome the couple did not receive, despite Jordan's royal family having established connections with other British royals.
Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah's son, maintains friendship with Prince William, with the two having spent time together in both Britain and Jordan watching football and visiting RAF bases. The Prince and Princess of Wales also attended Hussein's 2023 wedding.
Analysis of the Pseudo-Royal Tour
Royal insiders described the Sussexes' visit as a "pseudo royal tour" that mimics activities typically undertaken by working royals but lacks ceremonial elements. One source noted the glaring absence of traditional red carpet treatment, particularly given King Abdullah's warm relationship with King Charles and the historical friendship between the late Queen Elizabeth and King Abdullah's father.
A third royal insider suggested Harry and Meghan might be disappointed by their inability to meet the King or Crown Prince of Jordan, highlighting the diplomatic nuances of their post-royal family humanitarian work. The visit underscores the complex dynamics between the Sussexes' independent philanthropic efforts and traditional royal diplomacy.
