September is supposed to be a gentle return to public engagements for the Royal Family after their summer break – the quiet period before the busy autumn diary gets into full swing. However, this year's plans for a slow easing back into the round of visits, openings and charity engagements after the summer break have been quickly derailed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to return to Britain almost overnight after spending six years denouncing every aspect of their former life here, shortly followed by the publication of Earl Spencer’s memoir about his sister Princess Diana, in which he launched vociferous attacks on the King and wider Royal Family.
Palace machine gears up
The two events prompted the Palace machine to get into gear. A letter was released confirming that Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals without HRH status, and any work they do is undertaken in a personal capacity.
Though the King was simply reiterating the terms agreed at the Sandringham Summit of January 2020, it prompted a backlash from the Sussex camp, who said they were blindsided by its release and took issue with their being described as “private citizens”.
Then, just as the spotlight was starting to shift back towards duty and service, Earl Spencer’s book exploded into public consciousness. Charles was alleged to be “giddily elated” when he heard of his ex-wife’s death, the Earl claimed, adding that the then-prince told him “we’ll forget her soon enough”.
William keeps calm and carries on
Once again, we saw a rare and direct statement from the Palace in response to the book, noting that “the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in ways others do not recognise”.
There was widespread condemnation over the Earl’s claims but, as the days passed and other allegations were called into question (in part thanks to broadcaster Piers Morgan), the nation swung behind the King and “some recollections may vary” appears to be the order of the day. As with any royal brou-hah-ha, the response from the most senior royals has been to keep calm and carry on.
Asked during a public engagement if he’d read his uncle's book and would respond to the claims about his father on the day the memoir hit the shelves, he wisely ignored the question and carried on as normal. Later that evening, William and Catherine attended a glitzy film premiere and once again put the spotlight back on duty.
It was a clear sign that the couple are keeping the family drama at arm’s length. Private lives are just that, private, and the future King is adamant that his family must be protected. No matter what he’s feeling on the inside, William remains stoically disciplined in public and does not react.
He broke ranks once and once only when, in March 2021, when he furiously reacted to the Sussexes’ Oprah interview by saying: “We are very much not a racist family.” It was a heartfelt response to a spontaneous question, he’s learned from the experience and doesn’t want to be responsible for giving stories more fuel no matter how tempting it must be.
Royals Unscripted launches
These are the sort of issues I’ll be discussing in my new royal YouTube show and podcast, Royals Unscripted. I’ll be joined by fellow columnist Carole Malone for the show every Thursday as we dissect the biggest royal news stories of the week. I’ll be offering my unique insight as one of the handful of reporters on the royal rota as we take audiences behind the Palace gates, while Carole will bring her candid commentary and hot takes.
Topics making headlines in our first episode today include Meghan Markle’s solo endeavour to return to Paris Fashion Week in her first public appearance since the bold move back to Britain. Sources tell me that she’s keen to “hold her head high” despite the fierce backlash she received when she made her debut at the event last year, after she appeared to have engineered an invite and laughed as a model stumbled on the catwalk.
We also delve into the potential fallout if Harry decides to go ahead with producing a documentary to mark the 30th anniversary of his mother’s death – something William has comprehensively ruled out.
Royals Unscripted will also bring readers a dedicated Royal Fashion segment at the close of every episode. Fashion Five will see me joined by our dedicated royal fashion reporter, Alicia Liberty, as we discuss the Royal Family's latest sartorial choices and explore where to replicate the outfits for less.
The new show is available on our YouTube Channel, Royals Unscripted, and on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Episodes go live every Thursday at 7am.
