Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship with the British royal family has been strained since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. There were some signs recently that a reconciliation could be in the works, but a new controversy has likely derailed any short-term hopes.
Last week saw the release of the book “Endgame” by journalist Omid Scobie, which contained revelations about drama within the royal family amid the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III.
While the English version of the book did not name the royals who allegedly made racist remarks about the skin color of Harry and Meghan’s future children, the Dutch translation did – identifying King Charles and Kate Middleton as the ones who raised concerns.
According to Express, this has sparked outrage and accusations that the Sussexes or someone in their circle leaked these names, despite their pledge to never reveal the royals involved. Harry and Meghan have not commented publicly, but a source close to them claims they are “dismayed” and never intended for anyone to be named.
Prior to this controversy, there were some positive signs that a reconciliation was possible. Harry reportedly had a “warm” birthday phone call with his father, now King Charles III, in November. There was also speculation that Harry and Meghan could be invited to the UK for Christmas with the royal family.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe believes the release of Scobie’s book has now made any reunion in the short term “unthinkable.” However, he says there will always be “a way back” for Harry and Meghan if they want it.
Reconciliation in the future cannot be ruled out, but the relationship would never be the same. The damage done by the allegations and revelations in “Endgame” have likely set things back significantly. Any future rebuilding of trust would require commitments from both sides not to publicly criticize each other.
For now though, Harry appears resigned to the fractured relationship. PR expert Laura Perkes says he needs to “accept and let go” any hopes of rejoining or making amends with the royals right now. Harry’s focus going forward may need to be more on himself, his wife and children, and their new life in California.
Harry and Meghan’s fairy tale wedding in 2018 enchanted people around the world. But cracks soon emerged, with Meghan in particular struggling to adapt to royal life and protocol. She also faced intense, often racist media scrutiny in the UK.
In early 2020, the couple shocked the world by announcing they were stepping back from royal duties and moving to North America to seek financial independence.
This “Megxit” was seen as a snub by the royals, especially as Harry and Meghan did not coordinate their announcement with the Queen or Prince Charles beforehand.
Relationships further deteriorated after a bombshell March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Harry and Meghan alleged that an unnamed royal had made racist remarks about their future children, and that the institution failed to support a suicidal Meghan.
Harry has since claimed that his father stopped taking his calls for a time and that Prince William physically attacked him in a 2019 argument about Meghan. There have been no public denials.
The Queen stripped the Sussexes of royal patronages and Harry of his honorary military appointments in 2021. Harry and Meghan repaid £2.4 million in taxpayer funds used to renovate their UK home.
While Harry attended the Queen’s funeral in September 2022, there were reports he was uninvited from a pre-funeral reception for foreign royals and banned from wearing military uniform. Meghan’s attendance at events also sparked controversy.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes Harry and Meghan would need to show regret over their actions, issue an apology, and commit to no longer conducting tell-all interviews or leaking private information.
However, the Sussexes seem unlikely to apologize. In the Netflix documentary series “Harry & Meghan” released this month, they doubled down on claims of royal racism and lack of support.
The royals would also need to rebuild lost trust by welcoming the Sussexes back into the fold and showing a willingness to listen to their concerns.
But expert Emily Nash notes the royals are still “very hurt by what has happened” and may struggle to move past it. There is likely sadness and disappointment that private family matters have been aired so publicly.
While a royal reconciliation currently appears unlikely, the Sussexes are still forging their own path outside the confines of the institution.