When it comes to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their relationship with the rest of the royals one thing is certain, it’s a rocky one. Over the years, words have been said and bridges have been burnt and not many believe that any form of reconciliation is on the horizon.
When they announced their decision to step down from their royal duties, the spokesperson of Harry and Meghan said in a statement: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.”
However, Queen Elizabeth herself had “written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service,” the announcement by the palace said. It added: “While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
U.K. media, as well as many influential international magazines, have slammed their decision to split from the royal family, but both Harry and Meghan believed it was the best thing to do when it came to their family. During the Oprah interview that caused a stir on the social media, Harry once again defended their decision to move from Britain because he didn’t want “history repeating itself,” referring to his late mother.
According to Meghan, before the split with the Firm, she and Harry allegedly asked for a permission to move to another country in the Commonwealth, perhaps South Africa or Canada. However, the answer was a resounding no.
“Anything to just … because just by existing, we were upsetting the dynamic of the hierarchy. So we go, ‘Okay, fine, let’s get out of here. Happy to,’” Meghan recalled during an interview with The Cut.
In January of last year, Harry published his much-anticipated all-tell memoir Spare which sold in a staggering 1.4 million copies on its first day in the UK, United States, and Canada. Spare has been released in 16 different languages worldwide.
“We always knew this book would fly, but it is exceeding even our most bullish expectations,” Larry Finlay, managing director of Transworld Penguin Random House, said.
“As far as we know, the only books to have sold more in their first day are those starring the other Harry (Potter).”
Despite that the need for privacy and more quiet life was one of the reasons why Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties and left Britain behind, they haven’t stopped giving interviews and speaking of the members of the Firm.
In his book, among the rest, Harry wrote that following the birth of Prince George, he wasn’t welcomed in the home of William and Kate in a way he expected he would be, despite the fact they lived within a walking distance to one another. He also labeled Camilla “dangerous” and spoke of the argument between Kate and Meghan at the time of Harry and Meghan’s wedding, the one the world first learned about during the infamous Oprah interview when Meghan revealed that Kate made her cry.
However, now that Charles and Kate both fight cancer, it has been reported that Harry and Meghan reached out to them in separate occasions.
Many hope that this difficult time for the royal family would also be the time when olive branches are offered from both sides.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward has indicated that Meghan Markle has two specific demands for reconciliation, one of which is a “groveling apology.” Seward also highlighted Prince William’s position, noting that he also insists on a genuine apology from Harry for the perceived years of disrespect towards him and Kate.
According to another royal expert, Tom Quinn, doubts the possibility of reconciliation, citing Meghan’s belief that Kate should have offered her more support during her time as a working royal.
Recent events, such as Kate Middleton’s health issues, have not eased tensions. Although there have been suggestions for a joint family gathering, Meghan’s reluctance and unresolved grievances continue to impede progress.
Prince Harry’s upcoming visit to the UK for the Invictus Games anniversary event could potentially facilitate interaction, but Meghan’s concerns about her children’s safety and the unresolved issues pose significant hurdles.
Given the complexity of the feud and the demands for apologies from both sides, the possibility of reconciliation remains uncertain.