Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ongoing rift with the British Royal Family remains as significant as ever, casting a shadow over their latest philanthropic endeavors, according to royal experts. In a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the Sussexes introduced their new initiative, The Parents' Network, aimed at supporting parents dealing with online harm affecting their children. This interview marked their first joint appearance in more than three years since their explosive conversation with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021.
During the CBS interview, Harry and Meghan were careful to avoid rehashing old grievances with their royal relatives, focusing instead on their new charitable work. However, Dr. Tessa Dunlop, a royal expert and historian, noted that the rift with the Royal Family was the "elephant in the room" throughout the conversation. Speaking to The Mirror, Dunlop emphasized that the lack of communication between the Sussexes and the House of Windsor continues to inflict pain on both sides, undermining their credibility.
"Despite all their well-intentioned good works and conciliatory talk in other fields, the chasm between the Sussexes and the British Royals remains as great as ever," Dunlop said. She stressed that genuine open contact is essential for healing the wounds caused by their separation. "Until there is genuine open contact between the House of Windsor and the Sussexes, Harry and Meghan's pain thesis will continue to wound, undermining credibility on both sides."
In the CBS interview, Meghan revisited her past struggles with suicidal thoughts, first revealed in the Oprah interview. She described her ongoing healing journey, acknowledging that she had "not really scratched the surface" of discussing her experiences. "If her sharing helps others, 'then that's worth it. I'll take a hit for that,'" she stated.
The interview also highlighted the couple's forthcoming trip to Colombia, aimed at promoting their service work. Dunlop pointed out that this trip, much like their previous visit to Nigeria, symbolizes their dedication to philanthropy. However, she suggested that these efforts are seen in opposition to the charitable brand established by the British Royal Family, further exacerbating the rift. "In the style of their trip to Nigeria, soon Harry and Meghan will take off for Colombia, all in the name of service. And rather than being a service that compliments the philanthropic brand the British royal family established, it will be in opposition to it," Dunlop explained.
The interview also touched on the deeply personal topic of Meghan's mental health struggles. CBS anchor Jane Pauley pushed the couple to connect their personal pain to their philanthropic efforts, prompting Meghan to reflect on her suicidal thoughts during her time as a British princess. Meghan admitted that she was not expecting the question and found it uncomfortable, but she acknowledged the importance of being open about her experiences to help others. "There is a 'through-line' between her experience and those families who have lost a child to suicide," she said.
Dunlop noted that Meghan's acknowledgment of her mental health struggles underscores the unresolved nature of her healing journey. "Clearly a session on Oprah was insufficient when it came to being 'really open' about her suicidal plight inside the Royal Family," Dunlop commented.
As the Sussexes continue their charitable work, the persistent rift with the Royal Family remains a significant barrier to any form of reconciliation. While their efforts are commendable, the lack of communication and unresolved tensions with the House of Windsor continue to cast a long shadow. Dunlop concluded by suggesting that public reconciliation and communication, rather than a return to the royal fold, are essential for both parties to move forward. "If only both parties could remember they are stronger together. That doesn't mean a reunited Harry and Meghan inside the royal fold, but public reconciliation and communication."
