The drama within the Windsor family has reached a new level of intensity with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, finding themselves at the receiving end of a harsh rebuke from King Charles III. This latest chapter in their ongoing saga could have severe consequences for the couple.
It all began after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. As the royal family mourned the loss of their matriarch, tensions started to simmer. Harry and Meghan, who had stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California, found themselves in the midst of a brewing storm. Their decision to distance themselves from the monarchy had already created a rift, but their actions—or perceived lack thereof—following the Queen's death sparked outrage among the British public and the Royal establishment.
According to sources close to the Palace, King Charles was particularly incensed by what he saw as a lack of respect and loyalty from his younger son and daughter-in-law. Known for his strict adherence to protocol and tradition, the King was deeply offended by the couple's perceived snubbing of the royal mourning period. "The King was absolutely livid," said one insider, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "He felt that Harry and Meghan's behavior was a slap in the face to the entire institution of the monarchy. It was seen as a direct challenge to his authority, and he was determined to make them pay for it."
And pay they did. In a stunning move, King Charles informed the couple that they would be excluded from the Royal Family's inheritance. This decision has sent shockwaves through both the media and the public. The inheritance in question, estimated to be worth well over £100 million, was to be divided among various members of the royal family. This included a substantial portion earmarked for Harry and Meghan, as well as their children, Archie and Lilibet. With the King’s decree, this money will now be redirected to other branches of the family, leaving the Sussexes out in the cold.
"It's a devastating blow," said Royal commentator Samantha Maiden. "Harry and Meghan were counting on that inheritance to help fund their new life in America. This decision by the King is a clear message that they are no longer welcome in the Royal fold."
The reasons behind the King's decision are multifaceted, centering on the perception that Harry and Meghan have failed to uphold the values and traditions of the monarchy. King Charles believes that they have repeatedly shown a disregard for the institutions and protocols cherished by the royal family. From their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey to their various public statements and actions, the King feels they have betrayed the very essence of what it means to be a Windsor. The interview with Oprah, in particular, is said to have been a major point of contention. The couple’s allegations against the royal family, including claims of racism and a lack of support for Meghan’s mental health struggles, were seen by the King as a grave insult to the institution he is sworn to protect.
The decision to exclude the Sussexes from the Royal inheritance has already sparked a firestorm of controversy. Supporters of the couple have decried the move as vindictive and petty, while others have praised the King for standing up for the monarchy. "This is a clear message from the King that he will not tolerate any disrespect or disloyalty," said Royal commentator Giles Brandreth. "He is drawing a line in the sand and making it clear that there are consequences for those who choose to undermine the institution he has been tasked with protecting."
For Harry and Meghan, the loss of the inheritance is a significant setback both financially and emotionally. The couple had relied on that money to support their charitable and philanthropic endeavors, as well as their personal expenses. "This is a massive setback for them," said a source close to the Sussexes. "They were really banking on that inheritance to help secure their future and continue their work. To have it snatched away like this is a huge disappointment and a significant financial burden."
The decision has also reignited the ongoing feud between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. While Harry and Meghan have remained largely silent on the matter, sources suggest they are deeply hurt and angry over the King’s actions. They had hoped that the Queen's passing would provide an opportunity for reconciliation, but instead, they find themselves in an even more precarious position.
As the fallout continues to reverberate, the future of the relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family remains uncertain. Some speculate that the couple may choose to take legal action to challenge the King’s decision, though others believe such a move could exacerbate the rift further. Ultimately, the
