In a move that has further deepened the chasm between the British royal family members, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, remains steadfast in his resentment towards King Charles for not reinstating his honorary military titles. These titles, emblematic of Harry's decade-long service in the armed forces, were stripped from him in 2020 when he and Meghan Markle decided to step back from their roles as senior royals.
The decision to remove Prince Harry's titles was made under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. However, even after her passing and with King Charles now at the helm, there has been no move to restore them. This has been a significant point of contention between father and son, with insiders suggesting that the rift may be irreparable.
Robert Jobson, during a television appearance, shed light on the depth of the strain this decision has placed on their relationship. He mentioned that Prince Harry will "never forgive" Charles for the loss of his ranking. "He hates the idea that he is not captain-general of the Royal Marines ... and he hates the fact that he's lost all these positions," Jobson shared on True Royalty TV's The Royal Beat. He further added that if Harry had remained a part of the royal family, his contributions to the country could have been even more significant.
Despite the loss of his royal status, Prince Harry's commitment to advocating for veterans remains unwavering. His time stationed in Afghanistan and subsequent return to the U.K. led to the creation of the Invictus Games, a sporting event aimed at facilitating healing for wounded servicemen and women. His 2023 docuseries, "Heart of Invictus," delves into the emotional trauma that spurred him to enlist and the realities of military life.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Harry opened up about the emotional toll of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at a young age. "I had that moment in my life where I didn't know about it, but because of the trauma of losing my mum when I was 12... for all those years, I had no emotion," he revealed. This emotional suppression eventually erupted, leading to a period of chaos in his life.
The Invictus Games, beyond the physical aspect of sports, emphasizes the mental healing power of athleticism. While promoting his charity Sentebale, Prince Harry highlighted the transformative power of sports, stating, "I have seen sports literally save their life."
As the royal family continues to navigate the complexities of their relationships in the public eye, the world watches, hoping for reconciliation and understanding.
