Royal reporter Jasmine Carey has expressed surprise at the announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are returning to Britain, saying the move contradicts their previous criticisms of life in the UK.
Writing in an opinion piece, Carey said she could not believe the news, noting that for the last six years the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been vocal about their unhappiness as royals in the UK, having stepped back from royal duty in 2020 and moved to America.
Past criticisms highlighted
Carey pointed to repeated criticisms from the couple, including in interviews, a Netflix docuseries, and Harry's memoir. She recalled that just last year Harry said he did not think it would ever be safe to bring his wife and children to the UK.
She also noted Meghan's 2022 comments to The Cut, where she said she could do the school drop-off in the US, claiming it would not be possible in the UK because it would be "a royal photo call with a press pen of 40 people snapping pictures". Meghan said not wanting that experience for her children made her "a strong and good parent".
Questions over the move
Harry previously said he enjoys life in California, especially doing things as a family that he "undoubtedly wouldn't be able to do in the UK". Carey questioned why the couple would give that up.
While Carey said she has no problem with the family returning and sees it as a good thing in many ways, she argued Harry needs to set the record straight. She said his public statements about America treating him better and the UK being "unsafe" make the move seem confusing and hypocritical.
Carey suggested it would not do any harm for Harry to release a statement, noting that although the couple will not be working royals this time, Harry has said he will always be a member of the Royal Family, meaning the public will have questions. She concluded it is time Harry answered them.
