Despite facing relentless public scrutiny and family estrangement, the turmoil surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has become the very glue binding their marriage, according to a royal expert.
The Protective Bond Forged in Adversity
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are navigating what insiders describe as significant heartbreak within their marriage, yet these challenges are reportedly drawing them closer. Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe reveals that their shared experiences of trauma and public criticism have created an unbreakable bond.
"There have been times in their marriage where it's been Meghan and Harry against the world," Larcombe told the Mirror. "A clear theme from when they first met has been how protective Harry is of Meghan. He's a very loyal husband – much more so than most, because Meghan gets an awful lot of negative publicity."
Recent Controversy and Family Estrangement
The latest wave of criticism struck the 44-year-old Duchess last week when she attended two major events during Remembrance Day weekend without wearing a poppy, including Kris Jenner's star-studded 70th birthday celebration. While sources claimed poppies weren't "widely available" in the US, observers noted that Prince Harry, 41, wore one to the Baby2Baby Gala they attended together.
The incident highlights the constant scrutiny the couple faces since relocating to California nearly a decade after they first began dating. Their move to Montecito and embrace of Hollywood life – evidenced by their attendance at Jenner's party alongside celebrities like Beyoncé, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg – signals their permanent shift away from royal duties.
Larcombe suggests part of their motivation for moving to America was to protect their children, six-year-old Archie and four-year-old Lilibet, from the painful childhood experiences both Harry and Meghan endured.
Shared Trauma and Uncertain Future
"Neither of them had an ideal upbringing by any stretch of the imagination," Larcombe explained. "Both of their parents' marriages ended in divorce, and of course Harry's mum, Princess Diana, died shortly after that. There's trauma and heartbreak there for both of them, and that has bonded them."
While Harry has shown glimmers of reconciliation with his father, King Charles – who turned 77 this week and continues cancer treatment – relations with Prince William remain strained. Larcombe suggests this family bitterness provides another common ground for the couple.
"Meghan has had her dad and half-sister and brother become outspoken critics of her," he noted. "Harry hasn't had to deal with that, but that's only because the royals don't comment. It doesn't mean there's any less bitterness between Harry and his family."
The expert warns that their future could become more isolated, particularly when William ascends to the throne. "When William becomes King, there could be a real risk that Harry will be blanked by the royal court," Larcombe claims. "He will absolutely need Meghan by his side."
Despite their desire for less scrutiny when leaving the UK, the couple now faces even greater media examination in their American life centered around Netflix deals and Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever. Yet according to those who study them, this constant pressure only strengthens the bond that initially drew them together.
