A new report has claimed that Prince William would strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their royal titles "in a heartbeat" if he were monarch, reigniting tensions within the Royal Family. This revelation comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have just returned from a controversial trip to Australia, which some critics have labelled a "faux royal tour."
Controversial Australian Engagements
The Sussexes carried out a series of engagements across Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney during their Australian visit. These included a stop at a children's hospital, alongside a wellness event where Meghan reportedly earned £120,000 for a 90-minute meet and greet session. The philanthropic nature of their activities bore striking similarities to official royal tours, sparking debate about their status.
Mixed Reactions and Historical Context
The couple's trip has been met with a mixed reception, with some observers criticising Meghan, 44, for attempting a "calculated rebrand" following the conclusion of their Netflix deal. This situation echoes the late Queen Elizabeth II's firm stance; she famously told Harry and Meghan they could not be "half-in, half-out" members of the Royal Family when they relocated to the United States in 2020. The Queen would have celebrated her 100th birthday this week, adding a poignant layer to the ongoing discussions about royal protocol and family dynamics.
William's Alleged Stance and Family Strains
Journalist Jane Moore, writing for The Sun, has suggested that Prince William would readily remove the Sussex titles given the opportunity. She posits that King Charles, however, may be "paralysed by his love and responsibility to his troubled youngest son, and maybe a spot of guilt too." This perspective highlights the deep familial strains that have persisted since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties six years ago, with William's relationship with his brother remaining notably strained.
Charles's Sympathy and Potential Reconciliation
Despite King Charles's decisive action last year in stripping his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, of royal titles and honours, he is believed to be more sympathetic towards Harry and Meghan in the wake of their Netflix arrangement's collapse. There is speculation that Charles may extend an olive branch when Prince Harry visits the UK this summer for an event marking the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. This potential gesture underscores the complex interplay of duty, family loyalty, and public perception within the monarchy.
Meghan's Determined Efforts and Personal Outreach
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle is reportedly determined to recover from the Netflix setback. According to various reports, the mother of two has been actively reaching out to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and his spouse, Nicole Avant, with personal gifts. These gestures range from handwritten letters and flowers to jars of her As Ever jam, indicating her persistent efforts to rebuild professional relationships and secure future opportunities.
The ongoing saga of the Sussexes continues to captivate public attention, blending elements of royal tradition, modern celebrity, and familial discord. As debates over their titles and roles persist, the Royal Family navigates the delicate balance between upholding established protocols and managing personal relationships in the public eye.
