With Meghan Markle’s return to acting and Prince Harry’s recent trip abroad, the divide between the Sussexes and the British Royal Family appears to have widened significantly. Last week, Prince Harry embarked on a high-profile visit to Canada, coinciding with Prince William’s representation of King Charles III at the Earthshot Prize event in Brazil and the COP30 climate change summit. This overlap has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions within the family.
Images of Harry engaging with soldiers in Canada surfaced just as William delivered his keynote speech in Brazil, highlighting the stark contrast in their activities. Adding to the drama, Markle announced her role in the upcoming Hollywood film Close Personal Friends, which features notable stars such as Lily Collins and Brie Larson. Having stepped back from acting after her marriage to Harry, Markle’s return is seen as a pivotal moment in her career, with sources suggesting she will portray herself in the film.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams indicated that these recent developments underscore not only the Sussexes’ ongoing rift with the Royal Family but also a growing divergence in opinions between Harry and Meghan. “Meghan’s focus on her Hollywood comeback suggests that a return to the UK is not in their immediate plans,” Fitzwilliams stated. He emphasized that while Harry remains connected to his British roots, Meghan’s ambitions are firmly set in the United States.
In a recent essay penned by Harry titled The Bond, The Banter, The Bravery: What It Means To Be British, he expressed pride in serving alongside fellow Britons and fondly reminisced about the camaraderie shared in military life. Fitzwilliams interprets this as a sign of Harry’s longing for his homeland, contrasting sharply with Meghan’s commitment to her brand in Hollywood.
Reports suggest that Meghan is keen to distance herself from the controversies surrounding Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, previously known as Prince Andrew. As the couple navigates their professional paths, Fitzwilliams noted, “Harry would like to see more of his father, especially given King Charles’s health concerns, but Meghan is focused on her commercial success.”
Last week, Meghan was observed on set, where a source described her as “very relaxed and happy,” indicating her enthusiasm about returning to acting. Meanwhile, Harry’s team denied any intentional scheduling conflict with William’s events, asserting that his trip had been planned nearly a year in advance to coincide with the period of Remembrancetide, traditionally observed from November 1 to 11.
Despite these explanations, speculation regarding the ongoing rift remains prevalent. Fitzwilliams remarked on the timing of events, stating, “It was outrageous for the Earthshot Prize to be overshadowed first by Harry’s visit and then by news of Meghan’s film.” He lamented that any relationship between Harry and William appears to be deteriorating, with Harry seemingly prioritizing other matters over familial ties.
As King Charles approaches his 77th birthday on November 14, 2023, he faces the repercussions of the scandal involving his brother Andrew and the late Jeffrey Epstein. The King has begun the official process of stripping Andrew of his titles and privileges, a situation that adds strain to an already complex family dynamic.
Fitzwilliams commented on the emotional toll this period has on Harry, who has only met his father once in nearly two years. “Harry will feel deeply for his father during this challenging time,” he noted, highlighting the difficulties Charles faces as he navigates both personal health issues and family controversies.
As the Sussexes continue to chart their own course, the implications of their decisions resonate not only within their lives but also throughout the Royal Family, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for this once-unified lineage.
