Prince Harry Has Been 'Poisoned Against the Idea of Royalty' After Fleeing the U.K.
Aug. 8 2024, Published 2:35 p.m. ET
Prince Harry has been "poisoned against the idea of royalty" and is determined to continue his critique of the royal family.
Historian Simon Heffer expressed his frustration over Harry's continued accusations against the monarchy to GBN, suggesting that Harry has adopted a highly critical stance due to external influences.
Heffer argues that Harry’s ongoing public grievances are damaging to the institution and urges him to reflect on the positive impact he could make if he chose to support his family instead.
The renowned historian's comments come in the wake of Harry's explosive memoir Spare, which still causes shockwaves 1.5 years after its publication. "I understand he’s got to earn a living, but nobody forced him into this," he said. "He didn’t have to leave the royal family. It’s quite clear that his father in particular wanted him to stay."
The expert further believes that Harry should consider a "quieter life" and avoid actions that embarrass his family, which is what the former King Edward VIII turned Duke of Windsor did when he abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.
Unlike that notorious pair, and despite stepping back from his royal roles, Harry has remained active in media projects and charity work, which Heffer views as contradictory to his stated desire for privacy. The historian contends that Harry’s actions are not just a personal choice but are influenced by his environment, particularly by those who have shaped his current worldview.
The analyst suggests that Harry’s relationship with his brother, Prince William, indicates that the strain between them is exacerbated by Harry's public statements and actions.
Numerous commentators suggest that for Harry to return to a more favorable standing within the royal family, he would need to have open and honest conversations with his father, King Charles III. These discussions would be crucial for any potential reconciliation and reintegration into royal duties.
Although Harry is bogged down in a bitter feud with nearly all of his family, it is suggested the only senior royal he (at one time recently) communicated with was Charles III. The monarch even decided to meet with his youngest son back in February, one day after his cancer diagnosis was made public. Some reports suggest the pair only met for 12 minutes, and the King declined to see his rebel son again when the Duke visited Britain on May 8 for an Invictus Games event.
The fifth in line to the throne is said to be "adamant" in his determination to get in touch with his father, as he reportedly feels that both he and his family could be in danger.