As the British Royal Family faces a period of medical challenges, with both King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales, undergoing hospital treatment, the spotlight has turned to Prince Harry and his absence during this critical time. The situation has sparked debate among royal watchers and commentators about the role and responsibilities of members of the Royal Family, particularly those who have stepped back from official duties.
King Charles III is set to undergo a "minimally invasive" and "routine" procedure next week for an enlarged prostate, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace. This news comes shortly after Kensington Palace's announcement that Princess Kate underwent successful abdominal surgery, with an expected recovery period extending beyond Easter. Both incidents have led to a temporary retraction of royal engagements by the affected individuals.
Prince Harry, residing in California, has been urged by royal commentator Michael Cole to return to the UK and support his family during this challenging period. In interviews with GB News and other outlets, Cole emphasized Prince Harry's previous effectiveness as a member of the Royal Family and his potential role in providing support.
Cole remarked on the opportunity for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to mend relations with the British public by stepping in during this time. He noted, "They would have had a chance to star. In the absence of the King and the Princess of Wales in hospital, they would have had a chance to pick up the slack. To be shown to be pulling their weight."
The situation is further complicated by a 2022 parliamentary amendment regarding the "counselors-in-state," which effectively removes Prince Harry and Prince Andrew from acting as proxies for the King. This leaves Queen Camilla and Prince William to assist the monarch and Princess of Wales, respectively.
Cole also criticized Prince Harry for the perceived negative portrayal of his family in his memoir, "Spare," and other publications, suggesting that his support during this time could have presented a more positive image. He stated, "So wouldn't it have been good for Prince Harry to have supported his brother and his family instead of allowing very unkind and cruel things to be said about Kate in both his books 'Spare' and in books which appear to have been written with his approval, if not cooperation?"
Prince William, meanwhile, has indicated that he will scale back his schedule to be closer to his wife and look after his children during this period.
The Royal Family's current situation underscores the complex dynamics within the monarchy, particularly regarding those members who have chosen a path outside the traditional royal duties. Prince Harry's absence and the public reaction to it reflect broader conversations about the role of the monarchy, familial obligations, and the public's expectations of royal figures, especially in times of crisis.
As the Royal Family navigates these health issues, the role of each member, whether active or not in royal duties, continues to be a topic of public interest and debate. The coming weeks are likely to see further developments as the King and Princess of Wales recover, and as the Royal Family adjusts to the temporary changes in their official capacities.
