Prince Harry stirred controversy when he chose not to sing along with the UK's national anthem during his and Meghan Markle's three-day visit to Nigeria, which concluded on Sunday. At a charity event they attended, the British national anthem played, but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stood silently, appearing to smirk and gazing straight ahead without participating in the singing.
This gesture caught the attention of Paul Burrell, Princess Diana's former butler, who commented on the couple's reaction during an appearance on GB News. Burrell expressed his embarrassment over their behavior, stating that it not only reflects poorly on them but also on the world and their country. He questioned why they would present themselves as working royals on the global stage when they no longer hold such roles. Burrell also suggested that Prince Charles, Harry's father, should address his son's public stance in a Commonwealth country.
In the same interview, Burrell mentioned that the national anthem should not have been played during the event, as it was not an official royal visit. He also discussed the role of the Foreign Office in advising Commonwealth countries on the Sussexes' status as non-working members of the monarchy.
Tina Brown, a royal expert, labeled the actions of Harry and Meghan as a "clown show" and expressed concern about the monarchy's future. Brown suggested that the stability of the institution now relies heavily on Catherine, the Princess of Wales, following the departure of Harry and Meghan.
According to royal expert Tom Quinn, King Charles is reportedly taking measures to bar Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from making Commonwealth visits. The king aims to prevent the couple from undertaking further unofficial trips. Quinn revealed that King Charles faces a dilemma, as he wishes to remove Harry and Meghan's royal titles but fears the perception of vindictiveness. Nonetheless, blocking future invitations to the couple's travels to other Commonwealth countries has become a top priority.
Quinn added that King Charles and Prince William are concerned that Meghan's rebelliousness may inadvertently make her more appealing compared to the more restrained members of the official royal team. He noted Meghan's deliberate acts, such as holding Harry's hand for the cameras, which William and Kate would never do.
