Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's upcoming international tours are causing concern due to potential clashes with the royal family's diplomatic efforts. There are worries that the couple's ongoing "rivalry" with the royal family could complicate matters surrounding their upcoming tours, which some view as "faux-Royal."
A former royal staffer, speaking with the Daily Beast, revealed that relations between the Sussexes and the royal family are currently strained, with tensions reportedly being the worst they have ever been since the Nigeria tour. The source explained that these international tours hold significant importance in terms of foreign policy for the royal family, as they serve to promote the UK and establish diplomatic and trade alliances on behalf of the government.
The former aide noted that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as non-working royals, have different priorities compared to their royal counterparts. However, the general public often views them as equally representative of the royal family alongside Prince William and Prince Charles. This perception creates a potential problem, as the couple's independent foreign tours could confuse the public's understanding of the royal family's official diplomatic endeavors.
"If these rival foreign tours become a regular thing, it could muddy the waters," the former staffer cautioned. They highlighted that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Nigeria, for example, was primarily focused on promoting Invictus, the Paralympic-style event initiated by Prince Harry, as well as furthering their personal brand. However, this diverges from the traditional purpose of royal tours, which is to serve broader diplomatic objectives rather than individual promotion.
The concern stems from the potential for confusion and the blurring of lines between official royal engagements and the couple's personal endeavors. As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to embark on international tours, the situation raises concerns about the impact on the royal family's diplomatic efforts and the perception of their roles within the public eye.
