King Charles III is reportedly taking steps to prevent Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from visiting Commonwealth countries in the future, according to royal author Tom Quinn. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently concluded a three-day tour of Nigeria, where they promoted the Invictus Games and met with key figures. However, their trip has allegedly angered the monarch, who is now working to stop similar visits from happening again.
According to The Mirror, Quinn suggested that King Charles is in a "terrible bind" as he would love to strip Harry and Meghan of their royal titles but fears it would appear vindictive. Instead, the King's "number one priority" has become finding a way to put a stop to any future trips by the couple to other Commonwealth countries.
The royal expert claimed that King Charles might resort to using "back channels" to try and block further invitations to the "wayward couple," although he admitted that this would prove to be very difficult. Quinn also explained why the monarch might be unnerved by Harry and Meghan's visit to Nigeria, stating that the "ultimate fear" for both King Charles and Prince William is that Meghan's rebelliousness could end up making her more appealing than the "understated members" of the official royal team.
"That's why she always makes a point of holding Harry's hand for the cameras, something she knows William and Kate would never do," Quinn added, highlighting the differences in public displays of affection between the two couples.
The royal author went on to suggest that the King will now be making changes to the way the Royal Family deals with its role in the Commonwealth. "After Nigeria, one thing is certain: huge efforts will go into changing the way the Royal Family deals with its role in the Commonwealth. Steps have already been taken via official channels to try to lessen the chance that other Commonwealth countries invite Meghan and Harry to visit," Quinn stated.
The reported move by King Charles comes amid ongoing tensions between the Sussex couple and the Royal Family, which have persisted since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals in 2020. The couple is expected to return to America via a quick stopover in London following their Nigeria trip, but it is believed they will not be meeting any members of the royal family during their brief time in the UK.
Buckingham Palace has not responded to this claim..
King Charles recently honored his eldest son, Prince William, by handing over the prestigious role of colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps. During the ceremony, the monarch praised the Prince of Wales, saying, "The great thing is he's a very good pilot indeed."