In the latest chapter of the ongoing saga between the British royal family and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, tensions have reached a new high. Sources reveal that King Charles III and Prince William are contemplating drastic measures against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, potentially including stripping them of their royal titles. This move comes in response to the couple's continued high-profile activities and public commentary, which have exacerbated the already strained relationships within the royal family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who relinquished their royal duties in 2020 and moved to California, have maintained a public profile that often clashes with the royal family's expectations. Their recent tours to Nigeria and Colombia, perceived by some as "faux-royal" engagements, have only intensified the rift. An insider disclosed, "Harry and Meghan aren't the type to let negativity win. If anything, it's only made them more determined to take on more tours and make their mark."
King Charles and Prince William, however, are reportedly "sick of being portrayed as villains" in the ongoing public feud, largely fueled by Meghan's recent remarks and Prince Harry's revelations in his memoir, Spare. According to a source, "Harry keeps saying he wants to reconcile with his father and brother, but every time Meghan opens her mouth, she seems to make the rift between them worse." This sentiment underscores the frustration felt by the monarch and his heir, who view the Sussexes' actions as a deliberate challenge to their authority.
The royal family's discontent with the Sussexes is not limited to their public engagements. There is growing concern that Harry and Meghan are leveraging their royal titles to boost their personal brand, a notion that has not gone unnoticed by the Palace. "The entitlement is so blatant, it's hard to stomach," the insider added, reflecting the palace's growing frustration with the couple's actions.
Amidst this turmoil, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has found herself at the center of attempts to mediate the family dispute. Despite her own health struggles, including a recent cancer diagnosis, Kate has been a persistent advocate for family unity. Royal expert Christopher Andersen noted, "Kate is incredibly fond of Harry and is saddened by the rift, but she is loyal to her husband and understands why William remains upset."
Kate's efforts to bridge the gap between the estranged brothers have included symbolic gestures, such as the moment at Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021 when she stepped aside to allow Harry and William to be together. However, as tensions have continued, Kate has faced significant challenges in her attempts to mend fences.
The current situation has led to discussions within the Palace about the possibility of removing Harry and Meghan's royal titles, a move that would signal a significant escalation in the family feud. While the royals have previously been hesitant to take such a drastic step, the ongoing public disputes and the Sussexes' continued high-profile activities have pushed the issue to the forefront.
"The discussions about stripping their titles have been reignited," the source revealed. "Charles and William are trying to find a way to put a stop to it, but they are wary of taking action that could be seen as futile." This cautious approach reflects the delicate balance the royals must maintain as they navigate the complex dynamics of their public and private lives.
In Touch Spoke to the insiders and sources.
