A royal expert questions the Palace’s response to the Sussexes’ extended stay in Britain
Prince Harry’s return to the UK may have unsettled his estranged brother, Prince William, according to a royal commentator who criticised the Palace’s response.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly returned to Britain with their children, Archie and Lilibet, for an extended stay. Shortly afterwards, Buckingham Palace issued a statement describing the couple as private citizens and reaffirming that they are not working royals.
People magazine reported that “The royal family still don’t know what their [Harry and Meghan] motives are.”
Royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner questioned the need for the clarification, suggesting that it unnecessarily humiliated the Sussexes. He also speculated that William could view Harry’s return—and the positive reception he has received—as a challenge to his own popularity.
“In my mind, the act of clarification was not necessary, creating humiliation for the couple and a cowardly act by those behind the letter,” Turner told Fox News.
“William may see the return as a distraction from his popularity and, as it seems, Harry has received some favourable accolades from people he is meeting at events — this could be an annoyance to William’s ego.”
Turner’s remarks reflect his interpretation of the Palace’s response, rather than a confirmed account of William’s feelings or involvement in the statement.
