Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship with the rest of the royal family continues to be a source of public interest and tension. Despite Kate Middleton’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and bridge the divide between the Sussexes and the royal family, recent events suggest that the relationship between the two sides may remain strained.
The latest development occurred when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a video through their Archwell Foundation, showcasing key moments of their philanthropic work in 2024. The video emphasized their commitment to making a positive impact through charitable causes. However, the timing of its release raised eyebrows, as it coincided with a major royal event involving Kate Middleton. On the same day that Harry and Meghan’s video went live, Princess Kate was making a significant public appearance, welcoming the Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhail Al Thani. This ceremonial event was an important occasion for the royal family, and some saw the timing of the Sussexes’ video release as an unfortunate clash between two high-profile moments.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that the timing of the video release could be interpreted as a deliberate move, possibly signaling rivalry rather than a mere coincidence. Fitzwilliams noted that the Sussexes are well aware of the intense media interest in their actions, making the timing of their video release particularly significant. The fact that the video was released alongside the Archwell Foundation’s financial accounts only added to the scrutiny, as it came on a day when Kate, a central figure in the royal family, was making a key public appearance. Fitzwilliams raised questions about whether this timing was intentional, pointing out that the Sussexes’ actions often seem to conflict with the schedules of senior royals, like Kate Middleton.
While Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the royal family, they remain part of it, which makes their actions particularly sensitive. Fitzwilliams suggested that the Sussexes should be more mindful of the impact of their actions, especially considering the ongoing recovery of both King Charles and Kate from cancer. The release of the video on such a significant day could be seen as unfriendly or even antagonistic, as it appeared to clash with the royal family’s commitments.
Despite the criticism, the video itself focused on Harry and Meghan’s charitable endeavors, and the couple has long expressed their desire to continue contributing to society while navigating their new lives outside the royal fold. However, the optics of the situation, particularly the timing of the release in relation to Kate’s important state event, have reignited public speculation about the nature of the relationship between the Sussexes and the senior royals.
Kate Middleton has often been viewed as a figure trying to mend the rift within the royal family, but this latest episode underscores how fragile those efforts can be when actions are perceived as conflicting. The aftermath of the video’s release will likely continue to draw attention, and it remains to be seen how the royal family will respond to this development. As Harry and Meghan continue to carve out their own path, and the rest of the royal family manages their own personal challenges, the delicate balance between the two sides will continue to be a topic of public scrutiny.
Fitzwilliams’ comments highlight the complexities of this ongoing royal saga, with every move made by the Sussexes being closely examined for deeper meaning.
