Prince Harry has once again exposed the personal struggles faced by women who marry into the British Royal Family, drawing particular attention to his wife, Meghan Markle, and his late mother, Princess Diana. These remarks, part of a broader narrative explored in his Netflix documentary series and memoir, have not only reignited public debate but also deepened the rift between him and his brother, Prince William.
Harry's comments have been interpreted by some as a direct attack on Princess Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, whom Harry once affectionately described as "the sister I've never had and always wanted." This sentiment, however, seems to be overshadowed by the growing tension between the brothers.
Harry's documentary, created in collaboration with Meghan, highlighted the "pain and suffering" experienced by women marrying into the monarchy. He recounted his mother's struggles, referring to the relentless media scrutiny as a "feeding frenzy" and expressing his fear of history repeating itself with Meghan. "I didn't want history to repeat itself," Harry said, emphasizing his protective instincts towards his wife.
One particularly controversial comment from Harry suggested that royal men might be tempted to marry someone who fits the traditional mold rather than following their hearts. "For so many people in the family, especially the men, there can be a temptation or an urge to marry someone who would fit the mold, as opposed to somebody who you are perhaps destined to be with," he remarked. He contrasted this with his mother's approach, stating, "My mum certainly made most of her decisions, if not all of them, from her heart. And I am my mother's son."
These statements have reportedly struck a nerve with Prince William, who, according to royal expert Richard Hardman, viewed them as a "blatant attack on Catherine." Hardman, in his book "Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story," revealed that someone close to William considered Harry's comments a severe breach of trust.
The fallout from Harry's remarks is part of a broader estrangement that has only grown since he and Meghan relocated to the United States. Harry's memoir, "Spare," further complicated matters, with numerous negative references to William and Kate. The rift has left Harry longing for the "warm, uncomplicated relationship" he once shared with Kate, according to royal author Tom Quinn. "He really misses that warm, uncomplicated relationship, and he is torn between loyalty to his wife and regret about the loss of the woman he was so close to," Quinn said.
The tension between Meghan and Kate, exacerbated by the infamous bridesmaid dress incident, is also a significant factor in the ongoing discord. In "Spare," Harry detailed an argument between Meghan and Kate over Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid dress, which allegedly left Meghan in tears. Despite Kate's subsequent apology, the incident has lingered as a point of contention.
Adding to the complexity of their relationship, Kate's recent cancer diagnosis has shocked both Harry and Meghan. They sent a message of support to the Waleses, but Quinn doubts this will mend the rift. "Meghan doesn't feel guilty about Kate because she feels that Kate should've been the one person in the Royal Family to back her against every difficulty," Quinn explained. Meghan's perspective is shaped by her own experience as an outsider within the royal institution, a position she felt Kate, also once an outsider, should have understood and supported.
Despite the shared history and familial ties, the bitterness between the Sussexes and the Cambridges remains palpable. The once close bond between Harry and Kate now appears irreparably damaged, with Harry reportedly filled with regret over the collapse of their relationship. Royal biographer Duncan Larcombe noted that bombshell news like Kate's cancer diagnosis often puts things into perspective, but it is unclear if this will lead to reconciliation.
The public and media scrutiny surrounding the royal family's internal conflicts continues to cast a long shadow over their personal lives. Harry's efforts to highlight the systemic issues within the monarchy, particularly regarding the treatment of women, have resonated with many but have also fueled the animosity within his own family.
