As you all know, Harry stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and moved with Meghan to California. Their relationship with the royal family, particularly King Charles and the new Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has been icy ever since. Sources say Markle contacted the king last week with a shocking and brazen request.
She allegedly told Charles that she wanted Harry reinstated as a senior working royal and given back all of his previous titles and privileges. In exchange, she would end all public criticisms of the monarchy and cease any future interviews or tell-all memoirs that could damage the family's reputation.
Charles was said to be furious at Markle's audacity and flat-out refusal to negotiate, which he saw as blackmail. But it didn't stop there. Markle then upped the ante in her demands by telling the king he needed to strip Camilla of her titles as well in order for Harry to return to the fold.
She stated Camilla's presence in the family caused her great distress and damaged her relationship with the royals. According to my sources, this is where Charles absolutely lost it. He sees Camilla as his rock and the future queen consort. The suggestion that he should banish or demote her to appease Markle was the last straw.
The fallout from the alleged blackmail attempt could have long-lasting damage on the royals' public image as well. Many see it as proof of the Sussexes' petty grudges and inability to let go of past grievances. However, others say Markle's insistence on dredging up old wounds shows how unwelcome and isolated she truly feels after leaving Britain.
They argue it was an act born of desperation to regain some control or bargaining chips in her relationship with the royals. Either way, it was a major miscalculation that burned the last remnants of goodwill from the palace towards the couple.
In the coming weeks, myself and other royal commentators will be watching closely to see if any details from that infamous phone call emerge. We'll also monitor Harry's movements and public statements for signs of where his allegiance ultimately lies going forward—with his new Hollywood life alongside Meghan in America, or with reconciliation with his family back in Britain.
For now, all is quiet from both sides, but you can be sure this will not be the last we hear of the ongoing dispute between the Windsors and the Sussexes. The rift is deeper than ever, and healing seems unlikely if Markle remains set on her disruptive ways.
In a scathing tirade, Charles is said to have torn into Markle over the phone, unleashing a number of choice insults about her character. He reportedly told her in no uncertain terms that she would never dictate terms or make outrageous demands of the crown.
Charles blasted Markle as a fame-hungry social climber who only married Harry for status and money. He accused her of manipulating Harry to cut ties with his family and homeland. Charles went on to call Markle narcissistic, selfish, vain, and disrespectful towards the institution of the monarchy. He stated she never understood or respected the responsibilities and duties that come with being a senior royal.
The king ended by telling Markle in no uncertain terms that she was no longer welcome in the family and she had destroyed any chance of a reconciliation with harmful behavior like blackmail.
Since that fiery phone call a week ago, Buckingham Palace sources say the atmosphere has been tense. Harry is said to be torn between defending his wife and salvaging any remaining relationship with his father and brother, William.
Palace aides say the rift may now be irreparable given the hostility. Most experts do not believe Harry will be making any trips back to the UK for royal events anytime soon.
