Prince Harry No Longer Sees Eye To Eye With The One Royal He Was Close To — And It's Not Kate
Despite their notoriety, they shared a unique bond with the late Queen Elizabeth, who had a soft spot for them both.
Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020, their relationship with the British Royal Family has notably transformed. The relationship between Harry and his brother, Prince William, is especially strained, marked by feelings of betrayal and William's focus on stability. Meanwhile, King Charles has cautiously navigated his role as a father amidst ongoing family rifts. Harry's relationships with extended relatives have also become more distant since his move to California. Experts describe the situation as a deep-seated estrangement, with reconciliation efforts hindered by differing priorities and a lack of trust. In a similar vein, royal commentator Duncan Larcombe has discussed one such relationship that has gone cold ever since the Duke left the royal fold.
Harry had a close bond with his cousin Zara Tindall, sharing a fun-loving, rebellious nature that set them apart from other members of the royal family. This was notably displayed during their celebration of England's Rugby World Cup victory in Sydney in November 2003, as highlighted by Larcombe in Women and Home Magazine. According to Larcombe, both were seen as rebellious figures within the royal family; Harry earned a reputation as a carefree prince, while Zara made headlines for getting her tongue pierced. Despite their notoriety, they shared a unique bond with the late Queen Elizabeth, who had a soft spot for them both. Harry and Zara shared a close familial bond characterized by their down-to-earth personalities, making their time together enjoyable. "They were kindred spirits who seemed to have so much in common," the royal expert stated. However, after Harry moved to California six years ago, he has reportedly lost touch with his once beloved cousin.
"Not only are they said to have drifted apart, but the old close friendship they once enjoyed has, I understand, almost entirely evaporated," Larcombe highlighted. Recent comments by Zara's husband, Mike, during a rugby podcast at Hay Festival highlighted a shift in her perception of Harry post-Megxit. Mike's quip about knowing Harry "when he was fun" elicited laughter but may have struck a nerve, as he possesses insights into how Harry's cousins currently view him. According to the royal expert, Harry's cousins perceive him as having changed significantly since moving away, evolving from a carefree, fun-loving persona into something of an outcast in his family. Once the life of the party, he now carries a heavy burden and is seen as a shadow of his former self. Zara's husband’s remarks reflect how the wider family views the Duke.
Larcombe revealed that a senior royal source told him that the remark made by Mike may have upset Harry, who has been trying to portray an ideal life since stepping back from royal duties. "But it perhaps reveals a lot about how Harry is now perceived by his cousin Zara in the years since he and Meghan cut ties with the family," the royal commentator concluded. Prince Harry and Markle are set to visit the UK next month; however, there have been no indications that the Sussexes will meet the wider royal circle.
