Prince Harry Seems to Be Following In the Footsteps Of Edward VIII, Which Means He Too May Fade 'Into Obscurity,' Notes Expert
Just like Edward VIII, Prince Harry left the royal family, married an American and is writing a memoir — but his moves may lessen his popularity.
In a new documentary series about the royal family, experts couldn't help but notice the multitude of similarities between Prince Harry and Edward VIII — Queen Elizabeth's uncle who abdicated the throne in 1936 and later released a memoir.
"It’s fascinating when you draw the parallels between the two. Both of them married divorced American women. We all know that, but it goes much deeper than that," noted Nick Bullen. "Edward and his brother also experienced their own sibling rivalry can be compared to Harry’s strained relationship with his brother, Prince William."
Edward married American socialite Wallis Simpson in 1937, a year after he abdicated. In 1951, he released a memoir with the help of a ghostwriter.
"He was paid a fortune," Bullen shared. "It may have even been the highest-paid book of its time. It had a tremendous impact."
Despite his financial gain, his bold moves separated him from his family, which put a damper on his popularity. The same could happen to Harry and Meghan Markle.
"It may seem far from now, but it will happen. What will happen to Harry and Meghan ten years from now?" he pondered. "Will they be the same stars they are now? Some historians have suggested that this is unlikely."
According to the expert, Edward and his wife eventually "faded into obscurity'" and wound up as "bit players" and "awkward guests" at New York dinner parties.
Bullen then added, "How long will Harry and Meghan Markle's value stay at such a high level?"
At the moment, the Sussexes are still popular, having secured deals with Spotify and Netflix. The father-of-two is also expected to receive $20 million upfront for his memoir, which is due out next fall.
"Prince Harry has harnessed his extraordinary life experience as a prince, a soldier, and a knowledgeable advocate for social issues, establishing himself as a global leader recognized for his courage and openness," Markus Dohle, CEO of Penguin Random House, stated about the book. "It is for that reason we’re excited to publish his honest and moving story."
