Ads
It is clear that the British royal family is closing ranks against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In recent months, there have been signs that Princess Anne, Prince William, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales have joined forces to block any potential return by the Sussexes to frontline royal duties.
The shift in the royal hierarchy has seen Catherine emerge as the most popular member of the family, with her favorability rating standing impressively at 66%. Her husband William is closely behind at 65%, while King Charles retains a respectable 56% approval despite dealing with his own health issues. The trio of Catherine, William, and Anne, known for her unwavering commitment to the crown, seem to have taken charge and appear determined to keep Harry and Meghan at arm's length.
Ads
This move comes as a blow to the Sussexes, who have been openly critical of the institution of the monarchy through televised interviews and the publications of memoirs. Harry and Meghan have made several attempts to re-claim their place, but it seems the royal establishment has now closed ranks against them. Tensions between the two sides have been simmering for years since the Sussexes controversially stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and moved to California in the United States.
Their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, where they accused the royal family of racism and neglect, further deepened the rift. Now, with Catherine, William and Anne leading from the front, it appears the hierarchy has shifted in favor of the more traditional, stoic representatives of the crown who favor exclusion of the renegade Sussexes from royal duties.
Ads
Princess Anne is known for her non-nonsense approach and unwavering loyalty to the Queen and King. Royal expert Camilla Tomione says Anne "is not one to mince her words, and it's clear she firmly sides with the institution over the Sussexes." Anne's return to duties after suffering a head injury served to solidify her formidable position within the family. Her warm welcome at the Riding for the Disabled Association championships was a signal of her continued commitment to the monarchy.
Meanwhile, William and Catherine have also been strategically cementing their places as the future of the royal family. Their recent tour of the United States was widely praised for its polished, diplomatic approach and further underscored their status as the new faces of the House of Windsor. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams says the couple "have been carefully cultivating an image of familiarity, tradition and duty which stands in stark contrast to the more controversial approach of the Sussexes."
Ads
While King Charles continues navigating his new role as monarch alongside health issues, Anne, William and Catherine have emerged as the backbone of a monarchy adapting to challenges both old and new. Their renewed dedication to service, tradition and British institutions suggests an aim to shore up public support at a time when the monarchy faces increased republicanism and polarization. However, it also signals that the door may remain closed to Harry and Meghan's hopes of restored positions, with older generation royals unwilling to countenance further controversy or disruption to long-held conventions.
Ads
Only time will tell if the rift with the Sussexes deepens further, or whether some kind of reconciliation remains possible down the line. For now, with the troika keeping a firm hand on the tiller, it seems the Windsors remain committed to steering a steady course through changing political and social storms, even if that means further excluding the once-favored Sussexes from their ranks. The shift cements the traditionalist wing of the royal family as predominant for the foreseeable future.
Post a Comment