The royal family seems to have gained the upper hand over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as tensions escalate, moving the rift into uncharted territory.
A commentator highlighted this shift following the Duke of Sussex’s decision to attend the coronation at Westminster Abbey, despite his recent public criticisms of the monarchy in his memoir Spare, released earlier this year.
While Prince Harry made the journey, Meghan Markle opted to stay back, citing her son Archie‘s birthday coinciding with King Charles‘ significant day.
According to royal expert Kinsey Schofield, Prince Harry’s presence at the event, despite his grievances, signals a need for royal validation even as he distances himself from his family.
In an interview with GB News, Schofield pointed out that Harry’s actions could be interpreted as a plea for acceptance, especially considering his previous accusations against the royal institution.
She emphasized that by extending an invitation to Harry and Meghan, the royal family appears magnanimous, a move not lost on American observers who may perceive it as Harry’s contradictory stance.
Despite his brief appearances during the ceremony, Prince Harry departed for Heathrow shortly after his father’s coronation.
Seated in the third row at Westminster Abbey, behind his brother Prince William, the Duke engaged with guests, accompanied by Princess Beatrice and her husband Eduardo Mapelli-Mozzi.
Notably, Harry chose not to join the other royals on the palace balcony, as it was clarified earlier that former working royals had no official role in the proceedings.
During the service, alongside fellow royals, Prince Harry participated in paying homage to the newly crowned King Charles, echoing the traditional phrases of allegiance.
Positioned between Princess Eugenie‘s husband, Jack Brooksbank, and Princess Alexandra, Harry was part of the congregation reciting, “God Save King Charles,” and “Long Live King Charles.”
Across from him in the same row sat Prince Andrew, who relinquished his Royal Highness title in January 2022, donning the prestigious Order of the Garter robe, symbolizing his enduring ties to the monarchy.
The Order of the Garter holds significant historical importance as Britain’s oldest and most esteemed order of chivalry, underscoring the deep-rooted traditions observed by the royal family.
The dynamics and interactions within the congregation during the coronation shed light on the intricate relationships and protocols maintained within the monarchy, even amidst personal and public upheavals.
As the royal saga unfolds, the events surrounding King Charles’ coronation serve as a poignant backdrop to the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
The juxtaposition of Prince Harry’s conflicting sentiments and actions underscores the complexities of his relationship with the monarchy, hinting at deeper undercurrents beneath the surface.
