Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have reportedly established what some are calling a "rival court" in California, leading to growing frustration within the British royal family, particularly for Prince William and Kate Middleton. This emerging dynamic comes as the couple continues to pursue independent projects that increasingly contrast with the duties of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Royal author Phil Dampier recently highlighted the evolving tensions, suggesting that Harry and Meghan's move to set up their own base of operations in the United States has exacerbated the strain between the two royal couples. "Now that they've set up as this kind of rival court, they obviously hope that their activities don't overlap with what William and Kate are doing," Dampier told Fabulous. However, he added that this separation is ultimately a tragic outcome of their decision to step back from royal duties.
The Sussexes, who stepped down from their official royal roles in 2020, are now charting their own course with various initiatives, including an upcoming tour of Colombia. The couple was personally invited by Colombia's Vice President Francia Márquez to spend several days in the country, with plans to visit Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali in November. This tour, which follows their recent trip to Nigeria, is seen by some as an effort to maintain a high-profile presence on the international stage, despite their departure from the royal family.
The planned Colombia tour has been described by critics as a "faux royal" endeavor, with some suggesting that it mimics the official duties typically performed by working royals. Dampier acknowledged that while the couple has the freedom to accept such invitations, it creates the appearance of an alternative royal court. "It does rather look sometimes as if they're setting up almost like an alternative royal court, trying to be royal while not actually representing the Royal Family," he remarked.
This situation has become particularly frustrating for William and Kate, who have had to take on additional responsibilities following the Sussexes' departure. With Kate facing health challenges this year, the absence of Harry and Meghan from royal duties has left a noticeable gap. "All of a sudden, the slimmed-down monarchy by default is looking very slim, so they are thin on the ground," Dampier explained. "Harry and Meghan could have taken a great weight off their shoulders."
The late Queen Elizabeth II had reportedly envisioned Harry and Meghan playing a significant role within the Commonwealth, traveling the world to represent the royal family. However, their decision to pursue independent ventures has thwarted those plans, leaving the remaining working royals to shoulder the burden. "She thought that they would be perfect to travel around the Commonwealth and represent her, and represent the Royal Family, and carry on after she'd gone," Dampier noted.
The potential for conflict between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales is further compounded by their respective schedules. William is set to participate in events related to the Earthshot Prize in South Africa later this year, while Harry is preparing for the Invictus Games. While their activities currently do not overlap, the possibility of future clashes looms, as both couples continue to carve out their own paths.
In the meantime, the Colombia tour is poised to proceed, with Vice President Márquez expressing enthusiasm for the Sussexes' visit. "I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country," Márquez said. She emphasized that the tour will offer the couple an opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women committed to progress in Colombia.
The Sussexes' visit will also coincide with the upcoming Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, where their Archewell Foundation is expected to play a prominent role in promoting safer online environments. As the couple continues to build their global brand, the implications of their independent ventures on the traditional royal hierarchy remain a subject of intense speculation and concern within the palace.
