The ongoing rift between the British royal family and Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has reached a new point, with reports indicating that King Charles has essentially given up on reconciling with his younger son and daughter-in-law.
Since their dramatic exit from the UK in 2020, the Sussexes have consistently criticized the royal family through a series of high-profile interviews, the Netflix series “Harry & Meghan,” and, most recently, Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare.” These public outbursts have reportedly left the current monarch, King Charles III, feeling profoundly “hurt,” according to a new book by royal historian and author Robert Hardman.
In his latest book, Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, Hardman offers a captivating glimpse into the King’s view on the ongoing tensions with his son and daughter-in-law. The author suggests that Charles initially made efforts to listen and seek a resolution but has now come to a point of resignation, turning his focus instead to his responsibilities as the newly crowned sovereign.
“As expected, the King is deeply saddened by the situation with Harry and Meghan, but there’s also a sense of frustration. He feels he’s done all he can, and now that he’s King, there are far more pressing matters to focus on,” Hardman writes. “He’s tried to listen, but now he’s saying, ‘I don’t need to know what the problem is. I’m just moving forward with my life.’”
This sentiment marks a clear shift in the King’s stance, as it seems he has given up on any further efforts to reconcile with the Sussexes, who have persistently criticized the royal family.
The ongoing tensions between the Windsors and the Sussexes have been heightened by recent claims of a growing divide between Meghan Markle and King Charles. Royal expert and commentator Angela Levin disclosed that Meghan was “deeply upset” by the King’s choice to sell his own brand of jam, reportedly feeling that he was stepping into her domain.
However, Levin rejected this idea, emphasizing that it is “not in the King’s nature” to deliberately undermine his daughter-in-law. She suggested that the reported incident was probably an overreaction on Meghan’s part, underscoring the fragile and tense dynamic between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
The unfolding drama continues to captivate the public, with the King’s apparent decision to abandon efforts at reconciliation representing a major shift in the intricate and highly personal feud that has taken hold of the House of Windsor.
Did you know there’s an intriguing royal rule that prevents the reigning monarch from attending funerals — even those of beloved and prominent figures like popes?
Indeed, this means Prince William will represent the King at Pope Francis’ funeral, joining other dignitaries and global leaders such as Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.S. President Donald Trump. Several members of Europe’s royal families will also be present at the ceremony.
“Why King Charles Can’t Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral: The Explanation”
By now, you’re probably asking why King Charles can’t make the trip to the Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral, especially given his personal ties to the pontiff. It’s also important to mention that he met with the Pope during his state visit to Italy earlier this month, making him one of the last people to see him alive.
Writing for Vanity Fair, Katie Nicholl reported that King Charles “will not be traveling to the Vatican, in line with protocol and tradition, which stipulates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace.”
While Charles may not be attending the service, he has expressed an honest tribute to the Pope, who passed away at the age of 88.
“My wife and I were profoundly saddened to hear of Pope Francis’ passing,” Charles stated. “However, our sorrow is somewhat softened by the knowledge that His Holiness was able to deliver an Easter message to the Church and the world he served with unwavering dedication throughout his life and ministry.”
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his dedication to Church unity, and his unwavering commitment to the shared causes of all people of faith, as well as those of goodwill working for the betterment of others,” he continued. “His conviction that caring for Creation is a fundamental expression of faith in God resonated deeply with so many worldwide. Through his work and compassion for both humanity and the planet, he made a lasting impact on countless lives.”
In 2005, King Charles attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.
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