What's Happening?
Prince Harry is planning a visit to the United Kingdom with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, from July 7 to July 11. According to reports, Harry desires to be treated with the same level of respect and recognition
as the Prince and Princess of Wales during their overseas travels. However, Buckingham Palace officials are cautious about the optics of the visit, as Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals. The Palace aims to ensure that the visit does not appear as an official royal engagement, emphasizing the distinction between working and non-working royals. The details of the visit, including accommodations and public appearances, are being carefully considered to maintain this distinction.
Why It's Important?
The visit highlights ongoing tensions between Prince Harry and the British royal family regarding his status and role. Harry's desire for recognition as a prince underscores the complexities of his and Meghan's departure from royal duties. The Palace's careful management of the visit reflects the importance of maintaining the monarchy's image and the clear delineation of roles within the royal family. This situation could impact public perceptions of the monarchy and the Sussexes, influencing their future engagements and relationships with the royal family. The visit also underscores the broader challenges faced by the monarchy in adapting to modern expectations while preserving traditional roles.
What's Next?
As the visit approaches, both Prince Harry and the Palace are likely to continue negotiations to ensure that the visit aligns with their respective goals. The Palace will likely focus on managing public appearances and media coverage to avoid any misinterpretation of the visit as an official royal event. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan may seek to use the visit to reinforce their personal brand and public image. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how future visits by non-working royals are handled, potentially influencing the dynamics within the royal family and their public engagements.
