A leading royal commentator says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle can't fully cut ties with the monarchy if they want their business ventures to keep thriving, no matter how much they've pushed for independence.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made headlines with their abrupt decision to relocate back to the UK after six years of living in California. Now, experts are pointing out that stepping away from their royal roots entirely simply isn't a realistic option for them.
Speaking to a UK publication, royal historian Hugo Vickers didn't hold back. He explained that the couple's commercial success is directly tied to their royal connection, pointing out that without that association, there would be little reason for anyone to pay attention to their business deals in the first place.
Vickers also noted the irony in the situation. For years, Harry and Meghan insisted they wanted to step back, live privately, and build an independent path away from royal life. But now that they're back in the UK and reportedly interested in re-entering public life, Vickers argues that goes directly against what was agreed upon during the 2020 Sandringham summit, held while the late Queen was still alive. According to him, the couple needs to come to terms with that reality.
For context, Harry and Meghan formally stepped back from royal duties in 2020, taking their son Archie with them to the US. They later went public with explosive claims, including allegations of racism within the royal family regarding their son. Since settling in California, the couple has also welcomed their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
Key Takeaways:
- Royal expert Hugo Vickers says Harry and Meghan's commercial deals still rely heavily on their royal association.
- Vickers argues that seeking a public-life comeback contradicts the terms agreed at the 2020 Sandringham meeting.
- The couple relocated back to the UK after six years based in California.
- Harry and Meghan left royal duties in 2020, later making public allegations about racism within the family.
- The couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were both raised primarily in the US.
