Amid the turbulence of health concerns plaguing the British royal family, attention has turned to Meghan Markle's absence from royal duties. The Duchess of Sussex, along with her husband Prince Harry, relocated to the US, stepping back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. This decision has been scrutinized, especially as the royal family faces significant health challenges.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, recently underwent a substantial abdominal surgery, putting her out of action until Easter. This development led to the cancellation of high-profile engagements, including a meeting with Pope Francis and a visit to British troops. Shortly after, Buckingham Palace disclosed that King Charles, aged 75, would undergo a procedure for an enlarged prostate. With Queen Camilla, 76, being the only senior royal on duty, the absence of Harry and Meghan from the UK has become more conspicuous.
The couple's decision to settle in Montecito, California, with their two children and distance themselves from royal obligations, has been a point of contention. Hugo Vickers, a royal historian, voiced criticism to Page Six: "Meghan Markle had no intention of pulling her weight. She surely had a little plan from the start, which did not include being a hard-working supportive member of the royal family. Harry got on well with his family before he married. Afterwards? I rest my case."
The health crises of King Charles and Princess Kate have spotlighted the fractured dynamics within the royal family. Speculations abound on how the Sussexes would have managed the situation had they remained active in the UK. The absence of Meghan and Harry means they miss out on significant responsibilities that would have fallen to them, especially as Harry would have been a Counsellor of State.
Despite the separation, Prince Harry and Meghan have maintained a busy schedule of engagements. According to a report, Harry ranked 14th on a list of the hardest-working royals last year, with 1,009 engagements to his name before his final royal event in March 2020.
The situation has also raised questions about their professional future. The Sussexes are nearing the end of their five-year, $100 million contract with Netflix, signed in 2020. While their documentary series was the platform's highest-viewed documentary premiere, its viewership has reportedly declined with each episode. PR expert Ryan McCormick commented to The Mirror about the potential renewal of their Netflix deal, suggesting that they might have to "grovel" and "substantially lower their fee."
The royal family's current health situation and Meghan Markle's absence have reignited discussions about her role and contribution to the family. It highlights the complexities of balancing public duty with personal choices, particularly under the intense scrutiny that comes with being a part of the British royal family.
