Prince Harry is facing criticism for allegedly prioritizing the needs and wishes of his wife, Meghan Markle, above those of his own family. According to royal expert Angela Levin, the Duke of Sussex appears to be ensnared in a dilemma that places him at odds with traditional royal protocols and familial bonds.
Levin's comments come amid a backdrop of significant events within the royal family, including recent health concerns surrounding King Charles and Kate, Princess of Wales. Despite these developments, Prince Harry's public statements have notably lacked any acknowledgment of his family's challenges, fueling speculation about the depth of the rift between him and the rest of the royals.
"The family had discussed that if they wanted to go, they could, and would have everyone's good wishes," Levin stated, referring to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's departure from royal duties in early 2020, a move that has since been dubbed "Megxit." Levin added, "They decided to do it their own way by putting up that post. Harry said he tried to lay out the protocols and make it easy for her to understand, but she didn't care."
This perceived disregard for royal protocols and the well-being of the family has led to accusations that Meghan Markle has "never had any respect for the family and the hierarchy and protocols," with Harry caught in the crossfire of competing loyalties. "Harry is lonely but pleasing Meghan comes first," Levin asserted, suggesting that the Duke's actions are heavily influenced by his commitment to his wife.
The tension between personal autonomy and royal duty was further highlighted during Prince Harry's recent acceptance of the Legend of Aviation Award in Beverly Hills. Despite the timing of the event, which closely followed the health announcements concerning King Charles and Kate, Prince Harry refrained from mentioning his family's situation. Levin interpreted this omission as a sign of Harry's challenging position, torn between his familial ties and his obligations to Meghan.
Adding to the discourse, Phil Dampier, another royal expert, weighed in on the couple's recent public appearances, juxtaposing them against the backdrop of the royal family's concerns. "They haven't made anything public, and I think that is the contrast; they are enjoying themselves and probably went to the premiere via private jet. It does look like they are swanning about and enjoying themselves when there is real concern for many members of the royal family," Dampier observed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent attendance at the premiere of "Bob Marley: One Love" in Jamaica, where they were photographed with the Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, has done little to quell the controversy. Holness's known anti-monarchy stance adds another layer of complexity to the couple's public engagements and their relationship with the royal family.
As Prince Harry navigates the delicate balance between his new life with Meghan in California and his enduring ties to the United Kingdom, the royal family, and its centuries-old traditions, the global audience remains captivated by every development. The narrative of Harry and Meghan versus the royal establishment continues to evolve, with each public statement and appearance scrutinized for clues about the state of their relationships and their future roles within or apart from the House of Windsor.
