The British royal family is facing mounting calls to sever all ties with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to avoid further disputes. Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in 2020, they have launched several high-profile and profitable projects that have included criticisms of the royal family.
Royal commentator Dee Dee Dunleavy has suggested that the royals should avoid any talks of reconciliation and instead strip the couple of their royal titles. According to Dunleavy, Prince William has taken a firm stance against Harry, mirroring the tough role once held by Prince Philip. She noted, 'William took on the role that Prince Philip had, he was tough. I can understand William's point of view, he is more protective of the grief that Harry has caused in recent weeks.'
Dunleavy also criticized Meghan Markle, stating that without their royal titles, her money-making plans would be 'worthless.' This sentiment was echoed by royal expert Hilary Fordwich, who claimed that Prince William has 'forbidden' his estranged brother from returning to the royal fold. Despite King Charles's softer approach and desire to see his son, William remains steadfast in his refusal to reconcile.
The situation was further highlighted when Harry controversially accepted the Pat Tillman Service Award at the ESPY Awards, accompanied by Meghan. The couple's public appearances continue to draw attention and scrutiny.
In another development, King Charles recently amused guests at a state banquet with a Pokémon joke referring to his grandchildren. However, royal expert Kate Mansey noted that the joke likely did not include Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children, Archie and Lilibet. The Sussex children have been kept out of the public eye, and their absence from royal events has led to them being somewhat 'forgotten' in the royal narrative.
Thomas Markle, Meghan's father, also expressed his sadness over the estrangement, noting that his grandchildren are missing out on their birthright. He lamented that Archie and Lilibet do not have the opportunity to bond with their cousins or participate in royal traditions like 'Trooping The Colour.'
- Dunleavy's comments come just hours after Harry controversially accepted the Pat Tillman Service Award at the ESPY Awards on Thursday. The father-of-two was accompanied by his wife at the star-studded ceremony, which was hosted by tennis legend and Markle's friend, Serena Williams.
- The last official photo of Princess Lilibet (3) shows her on the occasion of her first birthday. Meghan and Harry posed with Prince Archie (5) on their trip to South Africa in 2019 - Archie was only a few months old at the time. At Christmas 2021, there was a greeting card from the family of four, but since then little has been heard or seen from the Sussex offspring.
- This was particularly noticeable during the recent state visit of Japan's Emperor Naruhito (64) and Empress Masako (60) to Great Britain. King Charles (75) and Queen Camilla (76) invited the imperial couple to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. Charles III also mentioned fly fishing, which he tried out with Naruhito decades ago. 'I am sorry to have to report that I have not had better luck in my recent fishing attempts,' said Charles.
- The Pokémon phrase 'Gotta Catch 'Em All' may resonate with my grandchildren, but for me it may be too ambitious a goal,' King Charles at the state banquet according to Sky News.
