The divide between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Royal Family has become increasingly apparent following recent events, particularly Meghan Markle’s announcement of her return to acting. As Prince Harry undertook a high-profile trip to Canada, his brother, Prince William, was busy in Brazil for the Earthshot Prize and representing King Charles III at the COP30 climate change summit. This timing has intensified speculation around the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
Images of Prince Harry interacting with soldiers in Canada surfaced just as Prince William delivered a keynote speech at the environmental conference. The situation escalated further when it was revealed that Meghan would star in the upcoming film Close Personal Friends, alongside notable actresses such as Lily Collins and Brie Larson. Sources indicate that Meghan’s role will feature her playing herself, marking a significant return to acting after an eight-year hiatus. Insiders describe this opportunity as a “massive moment” for her career.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams emphasized that these developments highlight not only the rift between the Sussexes and the Royal Family but also a growing divergence between Harry and Meghan. He noted that Meghan’s focus on her Hollywood career suggests that a return to the UK is not in their immediate plans. Fitzwilliams stated, “Meghan’s decision to appear as herself in a Hollywood comedy film definitely emphasizes her shift towards the US.” He added that while Harry cherishes his British roots, Meghan appears concentrated on building her brand in America.
Last week, Prince Harry also made headlines by publishing an essay titled “The Bond, The Banter, The Bravery: What It Means To Be British.” In this piece, he expressed pride in serving alongside fellow British citizens, emphasizing the camaraderie he experienced. He remarked on the “banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands” as quintessentially British, stating, “I love it.” Fitzwilliams interpreted this as a clear sign of Harry’s longing for his homeland, contrasting sharply with Meghan’s apparent disinterest in returning.
The couple’s contrasting priorities were further illustrated by Meghan’s recent activities on film sets, where she reportedly appeared relaxed and engaged with the crew. A source told People magazine that she was approachable and friendly during her time on set. Meanwhile, Harry’s team has strongly denied any suggestions of a deliberate clash with Prince William, asserting that the Canadian events had been planned well in advance.
Despite these denials, Fitzwilliams noted that the scheduling conflict has done little to alleviate the ongoing tensions. He remarked, “It was outrageous for Earthshot to be overshadowed first by Harry’s visit and then by news of Meghan’s film.” The expert concluded that any hope for reconciliation between Harry and William appears increasingly unlikely.
As King Charles III approaches his 77th birthday on November 14, 2023, he continues to navigate personal and public challenges, including the ongoing fallout from his brother Andrew’s connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Recently, Charles initiated the process of stripping Andrew of his royal titles, a situation that has undoubtedly added strain to the family dynamics.
Fitzwilliams pointed out that Harry, now based in California, likely feels for his father amid these trials. He stated, “It’s absolutely hellish for Charles at the moment – the situation is agonizing – and of course Harry can see this.” The distance and lack of communication between Harry and his father complicate their relationship further, especially as Harry has only seen Charles face-to-face once in nearly two years.
While Meghan’s Hollywood ambitions flourish, they seem to be at odds with Harry’s desire to maintain familial connections in the UK. As both navigate their individual paths, the ongoing royal rift continues to capture public attention, suggesting that the complexities of their relationships remain unresolved.
