Meghan Markle Could Ruin Prince Harry's Hopes For a Christmas Return With Her Actions
Prince Harry’s hopes of a Christmas in the UK with family are now hanging by a thread. And this time, the potential roadblock is his wife and her misuse of her title, 'Duchess.' Just as signs of a fragile thaw had begun to surface earlier between father and son, Meghan Markle has stirred unease, threatening to complicate what was already a delicate reunion. The renewed tension now centers on the allegation that Markle continues to use her royal title, in a way, critics say, that privately breaches the understanding reached when she and Harry stepped away from official duties in 2020. The Sussexes famously exited as working royals in pursuit of financial independence, surrendering their ‘His/Her Royal Highness’ styles while retaining the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. Buckingham Palace had been explicit at the time that they should not use it for commercial advantage.
For instance, author Kaitlyn Greenidge recounted an encounter during a visit to Manhattan with Markle for Harper’s Bazaar. Greenidge revealed that upon entering the home of Meghan’s wealthy associate, Victoria Jackson, a staff member introduced her as the “Duchess of Sussex”, despite only two people being present. Royal commentators were quick to react.
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital, “This is not protocol, let alone Royal protocol.” She added, “It's peculiar and underscores that Meghan places tremendous value on her Royal status. Meghan will hold onto her Duchess of Sussex title as it gives her a sense of significance. The title remains beneficial for Meghan's business ventures, especially in the United States. It sparks conversation and keeps her in the spotlight.”
British journalist Jane Moore also wrote for The Sun, “The Sussexes supposedly 'Megxited' from the UK five years ago for a life of 'financial independence', yet they continue to exploit their Royal connections for their own commercial benefit.” She went on to label their use of their “bestowed” titles as “hilariously egotistical and breathtakingly hypocritical.” The timing of the controversy should be noted. Just days before these claims resurfaced, reports suggested that Harry was quietly hopeful of spending Christmas with King Charles in the UK.
According to Closer, the Duke has been eager for face time with his father, particularly amid the King’s ongoing health concerns. An insider revealed, “Harry is on tenterhooks waiting to get the go-ahead to visit King Charles in England at Christmas and is adamant that he needs to be with his father any chance he gets.” But the same source acknowledged that the duchess title episode could irritate the monarch and derail the tentative progress being made behind the scenes.
Harry last met his father at a London residence in September, in what was described as an attempt to soften relations. It was their first face-to-face meeting in 19 months, following which he also publicly accepted that he would like to visit the UK along with his children. He said in his interview with The Guardian, “Yes, I would. This week has definitely brought that closer.”