Ricky Wilson, frontman of the Kaiser Chiefs, has opened up about his encounters with Prince Harry, revealing his uncertainty about the Duke of Sussex's authenticity. Having met Harry several times, Wilson admitted he is not sure if the prince's down-to-earth demeanor is genuine.
Wilson's Encounters with the Duke
Wilson, 48, first met Harry when the royal attended one of the band's gigs. Reflecting on their interactions, he told Hello! Magazine: "I've met him a few times and I've always really like him." However, he added: "I don't know whether he's pretending to be down to earth or he is down to earth. I'm pretending to be a rock star. God knows in this household I'm not."
Selfie Request Denied
In a previous interview with Reach, Wilson shared details about asking Harry for a selfie during one of his gigs. The prince reportedly agreed but requested that the photo not be shared. Wilson recalled: "As he was leaving he said, 'Don't put that anywhere'. I'm not going to risk my MBE by putting up a picture."
Respect for the Royal Family
Wilson also spoke about his visit to Buckingham Palace with Leigh Francis, expressing admiration for the royals. He said: "We were very respectful, I remember going in and being in awe. I love the Royal Family, I think they're great. I know it's probably an unpopular view to have, especially someone with my political leanings, [but] I defy anyone, even the biggest anti-royalists, not to be put in a room with a royal and be dead polite. It's like a default setting, you start bowing and curtsying, and you don't even know why, I like it."
Harry's Relationship with the Family
Wilson's comments come amid ongoing reports about Harry's strained relationship with the Royal Family. Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back as senior royals in 2020 and moved to the US, where they live with their two children. Harry has cited security concerns as a barrier to returning to the UK, but has expressed hopes for reconciliation.
He previously stated: "I would love reconciliation with my family; there's no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has; he won't speak to me because of this security stuff. If they don't want that, that's entirely up to them."
Last month, Harry and his family met with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House, sparking speculation of a possible thaw in relations.
