King Charles Sends a Clear Message to 'Hostile' Harry and Meghan With Royal Garden Party: Expert

Earlier this month, Prince Harry expressed his desire to reconcile with his family, particularly with his father King Charles, stressing that he doesn't know how much time he has left with him, given his battle with cancer. The monarch’s equation with his younger son doesn't seem to be improving, with the King yet to address the former’s public plea. Chiming in on the same, a royal expert has suggested that the King is instead giving Harry and Meghan Markle the cold shoulder.

Royal expert and commentator Richard Fitzwilliams explained to the Daily Express how with the recent royal garden party, Charles sent a clear message to the Sussexes. Fitzwilliams argued that the royal display of unity at the event was intentional amid Harry and Markle’s stream of scathing interviews. He added that these parties have been ‘highly significant’ for centuries, especially during testing times. He stressed, “This is a testing time for the Royal Family, with King Charles battling cancer and the Princess of Wales in remission, whilst the Sussexes have resumed hostilities.”

The expert explained that the Sovereign hosts three garden parties, at Buckingham Palace and Holyroodhouse, every year to thank those who have helped their communities. In one such party, Charles thanked cancer support groups for their efforts toward making the lives of patients easier. The recent party was a significant one as it marked Kate Middleton’s first since her cancer diagnosis. Fitzwilliams noted, “It was therefore highly significant to see so many members of the royal family at the Garden Party held yesterday at the Palace, the first Catherine has attended in two years. A show of unity is especially important when an institution, the most significant for Britain's projection of soft power, faces challenges.”

He added, “They [the parties] give pleasure and show recognition of philanthropic efforts, especially locally.” In the past, after their grand wedding, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also participated in a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace. At the time, there was no whiff of any turmoil within Palace walls, as the happy couple was seen having a merry time.

Harry and Markle decided to step down as working senior royals in 2020 and later moved to Los Angeles. Harry in an interview once admitted that life in Montecito with their kids was everything he never had (privacy), but always wished. Meanwhile, in his latest sitdown with the BBC, Harry voiced to reunite with the royal family, upset that his father does not talk to him. The interview allegedly did not sit well with the royal family, with sources claiming that there's simply no trust left.