S Poddar
Prince Harry is preparing to go back to the UK for the WellChild Awards-an cause he’s been promoting for years-longer than some of its other recipients, perhaps. Yet, it’s reports about him and his wife, Meghan Markle, returning to the Royal Family as working members, which have generated debate. Critics say this would be “utterly impractical,” with the very real possibility of reigniting media frenzy that overshadows the institution’s focus.
The royal commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams, has not been meek in his condemnation of Harry and Meghan, saying that the couple is “unreliable.” Attending events that concern the monarchy will only bring unnecessary drama, diverting attention away from the House of Windsor. “They don’t want to come back,” he said in an interview for GB News. “If they did, it would create a circus, with every royal event involving the Sussexes turning into a media spectacle.”
Things are pretty far gone between Harry and the Royal Family. He and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties a year or so ago in 2020. Any reconciliation is unlikely unless they seek responsibility and apologize for themselves. He does think the Sussexes have done much damage to the monarchy, especially since the last four years. “When did they last say something positive about the Royal Family?” he asked.
Fitzwilliams has pointed out that both Harry and Meghan have been very vocal about the treatment meted out to Meghan when they were senior royals. According to Harry, it was this treatment that forced them to leave the UK. “They are happy where they are in California, and who in the Royal Family would trust them after all that’s happened?” Fitzwilliams expressed her disbelief over an apology from the Royal Family.
Still, there are some who come out in defense of Harry and Meghan. A former royal gardener, Jack Stooks, leapt to their defense, stating that the couple did nothing wrong for speaking their minds. “Harry married Meghan; that was his choice. They haven’t been barred from coming back to the UK, so why shouldn’t they if they want to?”.
There was also Stook’s defense of Harry’s right to visit the UK especially if that included his family. “If he wants to come back and see them, who are we to say he can’t?” he said, pointing out that, whatever public feeling may be, Harry and Meghan should be able to decide whether to live somewhere and when they might go there.
But Fitzwilliams cast a shadow over the prospect of any warm welcome in store for Harry, not least from his brother Prince William. According to him, the gulf between the two brothers is so deep that there is no communication currently taking place. “The relationship between Harry and William is so damaged, there’s no conversation happening right now,” he said.
Fitzwilliams recalled one incident during the memorial service of Lord Fellowes, who said both brothers had attended but reportedly not spoken to one another. If Harry and Meghan had wanted back into royal life, according to Fitzwilliams, the conditions under which they initially left would automatically mean a relapse in terms negotiated in the Sandringham Summit. He would have been fairly certain that it would be impossible for them to regain any position of kingship if they were to proceed with their independent commercial activities in the U.S.
It’s impossible for the Sussexes to be allowed a “half in, half out” arrangement. You can’t be part-time royals, said Fitzwilliams. The Royal Family plays a really important role in our national identity and constitution. To allow the Sussexes to have one foot in royal duties while pursuing their personal projects would be absurd.
The conversation about Harry and Meghan’s role in the future of the Royal Family continues to evolve, just as the public sentiment around their actions does. Some people see that their return will be a way of reconciliation, but others, such as Fitzwilliams, are convinced that it would only perpetuate the controversy and distraction from what is at the core of the monarchy:.
When Harry comes to the UK for the WellChild Awards, there is sure to be a lot of talking about the future of the couple and their strained family relationships, not to mention healing up the recently fractured relationship between them and the Royal Family as well.
