Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made their first public appearance in Whistler, Canada earlier today since facing backlash over rebranding themselves separate from the British royal family last month. The royal couple was spotted by photographers laughing lightheartedly as Meghan snapped pictures of Harry trying his hand at sit-skiing. Their film crew was also present, capturing footage for the Sussexes’ upcoming Netflix documentary series about their lives post-royal exit as reported by Daily mail.
While Harry and Meghan looked carefree as they hit the Vancouver slopes, their ongoing tensions with the British monarchy after sensationally stepping down as senior working royals continue making headlines. Outspoken journalist and columnist Liz Jones argues that, while the Sussexes have undoubtedly made mistakes and upset people, the royal family has missed an opportunity to gain public admiration by refusing to forgive them.
In her opinion piece, Jones points out that King Charles III himself is not free of errors, having upset citizens in the past. Meanwhile Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, who recently represented the royals at public engagements, haven’t had spotless records either. Jones highlights Edward’s failed attempt at producing television shows during a brief entertainment career, labeling him a “grifter” too.
She believes the Windsors refusing to pardon Harry and Meghan only makes the monarchy appear petty and unsympathetic. Instead, Jones insists that showing mercy and understanding would portray the royals as the bigger people, garnering praise and improved perceptions from the British public.
Her views add to ongoing debates around the crown’s handling of the Sussex saga. On one side are those empathizing with the couple’s desire for privacy from the intense media glare accompanying royal duties. They condemn the racist and sexist treatment Meghan faced that eventually drove the pair to relocate overseas.
Others staunchly defend the importance of duty before personal interests when representing the world’s most famous monarchy. They criticize Harry and Meghan’s commercial deals seen as cashing in on royal ties without giving back through public service.
As the Sussexes forge their independent path with financial freedom abroad, the question remains whether bridges can ever be rebuilt between the couple and the Windsors. For now, King Charles appears focused on cementing his reign and cementing the monarchy’s modern relevance.
Meanwhile brother Prince William and wife Kate are stepping up engagements as the new Prince and Princess of Wales. Harry’s father and sibling carrying on firmly with royal business indicates no effort from the family to patch up tensions since his and Meghan’s shocking exit. It seems Jones’ suggested olive branch remains unlikely for now.
With Harry’s upcoming memoir also making the royal household nervous about further bombshell revelations, the rift between the Sussexes and the crown will continue fueling discussion on both sides of the Atlantic. As the couple settles into Canadian life with son Archie, their public-facing media deals mean this won’t be the last we hear of Harry and Meghan.
