At a recent gathering honoring The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection on March 21, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were observed displaying public affection, prompting discussions among royal commentators regarding the authenticity of their gestures.
The event, which took place at a venue celebrating African American art and history, saw the couple engaging warmly with attendees, showcasing their support for the institution.
Tom Quinn, a noted royal biographer and author of "Kensington Palace: An Intimate Memoir from Queen Mary to Meghan Markle," offered insights into the couple's behavior during the event. According to Quinn, while the Sussexes appeared affectionate, there seemed to be an underlying tension.
"Harry and Meghan's recent hosting of a special event in honor of the Kinsey African-American, Art and History Collection gave the couple the chance to do something for an institution that has a special place in Meghan's heart, and it was fascinating to see how loved up Meghan and Harry were at the event," Quinn conveyed to The Mirror.
However, he suggested that "some of this was rather forced," attributing this perception to recent speculations of marital discord between the Duke and Duchess.
Quinn further remarked on the couple's physical interactions, describing them as contrived, and noted Prince Harry's apparent discomfort with public displays of affection. "But to many, their displays of affection looked contrived -- many of us thought Meghan looked as if she was still acting in 'Suits!' And Harry always looks really uncomfortable with public hugs!" he stated.
The royal commentator speculated that the Sussexes' continued public displays of affection are strategic, aimed at maintaining the narrative of a fairytale romance, which has been a significant aspect of their public image.
"Their romance is a key part of their brand, so whenever we see them now in public, they will make huge efforts to show they are still madly in love," Quinn noted, emphasizing the pressure on Prince Harry, who relinquished his role as a working royal for the relationship.
Angela Levin, a British journalist and Prince Harry's biographer, shared her skepticism regarding the sincerity of the Sussexes' affectionate displays. Levin suggested that Meghan Markle's public praises of her husband might be influenced by new public relations strategies aimed at enhancing her image.
"These new PR people are telling her: 'You've got to be positive. You've got to be lovey-dovey,'" Levin claimed, expressing doubts about the authenticity of such gestures. "'You've got to be upbeat and bring him in.' It's all so phony. I don't think any of us should believe it. It's all for show and part of her rebrand."
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning to visit the United Kingdom in May for a significant duration, amid a pivotal family occasion. The couple is expected to participate in the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the Invictus Games, set to be held at St. Paul's Cathedral.
This visit coincides closely with the fifth birthday of their son, Prince Archie, scheduled for May 6, raising questions about whether their children, including Princess Lilibet, will join them for this journey, Express UK reported.
Sources close to the Sussexes revealed to New magazine their intentions to arrange a birthday celebration for Archie at their residence in Montecito on May 6, before departing to the UK on a private jet the next day. The itinerary includes attendance at the Anniversary Service, followed by additional days in the UK, purportedly to allow their children to spend time with Prince Harry's family.
The decision for this visit also comes in light of recent personal challenges faced by the British royal family, including health concerns for King Charles and Princess Kate, who have been battling cancer.
Despite previous familial tensions, Prince Harry has reportedly extended his support to Princess Kate privately, indicating a desire to mend relations and foster closer ties between their children and other family members of the royal family.
"Harry would love for Archie and Lilibet to have a better relationship with their cousins or even the children of some of his friends," a source disclosed, emphasizing Harry's intention to bridge the distance that has grown during their time away from the UK. The Duke of Sussex envisions establishing a semi-permanent base in the UK—a second home where the family can regularly visit.
However, the prospect of more frequent visits to Britain appears to be a source of apprehension for Meghan, who is reportedly concerned about facing an "anxiety-fuelled visit to England where she feels like she's not wanted."
The Duchess of Sussex's last visit to the UK was in September 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, marking a significant moment of unity with the royal family amidst a period of public scrutiny and media attention.
Their daughter, Lilibet, has only visited the UK once since her birth in June 2021, during a trip where she met the late Queen Elizabeth for the first and only time at the Platinum Jubilee.
While Prince Harry is keen on having his family by his side during these emotionally charged times, Meghan's concerns for their children's safety in the UK pose a considerable dilemma. The couple now faces a decision on whether to attend the forthcoming event as a family with heightened security measures or for Harry to make the trip alone.
