Prince Harry has described his return to the UK as “eventful”, a three-word summary that royal reporter Jasmine Carey says reveals much about his approach to royal life.
Speaking at an Invictus Gala, the Duke of Sussex used the word to describe his last three weeks living back in Britain. While some may consider it an understatement, Carey writes that it is “perfectly apt” given the series of events that have unfolded since his return.
A return marked by drama
Harry moved his wife and children back to the UK last month, and what followed has been “drama upon drama”, according to Carey. The first issue was security, with Harry and Meghan pulling their children out of their first UK school because of a busy school run.
Then came a letter from the King confirming that Harry and Meghan would not be working royals again despite their return to the country. The wording of this letter, Carey notes, has irked the royal couple.
Further setbacks and family revelations
Harry then faced a major blow as Uganda pulled out of the Invictus Games, pledging support for the King. The King had to ask an aide to contact Uganda to get the country to rejoin.
More recently, Harry’s uncle Earl Charles Spencer released his book about Princess Diana, unleashing further drama on the royals.
A telling choice of words
Carey argues that while other members of the Royal Family might have smiled and said “fine” when asked about the UK return, Harry instead used the word “eventful”, acknowledging the drama rather than shutting it down.
The way he said it, Carey writes, looked as though he was not aware of the headlines swirling — but they would be very much aware. While Harry has not said anything out of line, his choice of words keeps the focus on the drama.
Other royals might have skipped the question or put a positive spin on it, but Harry was unable to resist acknowledging it. Carey concludes that a drama-free approach is probably not on his radar, even when he is trying to make amends with his royal relatives, which may not be good news for them.
