Strategic Moves: Meghan Markle’s Calculated Plan Amid Royal Strains
As Prince Harry returns to the UK for the Invictus Games, Meghan Markle’s decision to remain absent speaks volumes, part of what an expert describes as a “game plan for royal redemption”, reported by Sky News. The Duchess of Sussex’s choice is seen as a wise maneuver amid ongoing royal tensions and her husband’s challenging relationship with his family.
Meghan’s decision not to accompany Harry during his UK visit is reportedly a calculated move to avoid further conflict and media frenzy. This decision aligns with the couple’s upcoming trip to Nigeria, suggesting a strategic shift to focus on international engagements rather than direct royal confrontations.
According to Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, this absence might be perceived negatively, but it is a tactical retreat. “Meghan has wisely decided that a hostile press and public would prefer her to stay away from the Service at St Paul’s to commemorate a decade of Invictus. Their visit to Nigeria is a cover for what is a setback,” Fitzwilliams told The Mirror.
Despite hopes of reconciliation, Prince Harry’s latest visit to the UK has not included any planned meetings with King Charles, who is reported to have a “full program” preventing any rendezvous. This lack of interaction has been labeled as a “snub” by Fitzwilliams, underscoring the depth of the familial rift. “There is little doubt that this was not arranged as it should have been as King Charles has always made it clear that his door is open to Harry,” he added.
The situation is compounded by King Charles’ health concerns, as he balances his royal duties with cancer treatment. The last meeting between Harry and his father was brief and occurred shortly after the King’s cancer diagnosis, leaving uncertainties about their relationship’s status. Fitzwilliams remarked on the complexity of their interactions and the global attention they attract. “The fact that they will not be meeting will, as all things affecting the royal family will, be worldwide news. If the royal rift is ever to be healed it will be when matters are less public and can be considered privately and less stressfully.”
Regarding Prince William, Fitzwilliams expressed skepticism about any potential meeting with Harry, citing a deep lack of trust. “There was never a chance of him seeing William, who does not trust him, and with good reason,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, Fitzwilliams remains optimistic about possible avenues for reconciliation for Harry and Meghan, especially through their engagements with the Commonwealth. He suggested that positive references to the Commonwealth during their speeches could mend fences, especially considering past criticisms. “They trashed the institution, Queen Elizabeth’s most important legacy, in their documentary Harry and Meghan. This was not well received as, when they were senior working royals, they were Commonwealth patronages by the late Queen.”
Overall, Meghan’s strategic decision to skip the UK visit and focus on international engagements may represent a broader strategy aimed at slowly rebuilding their public image and mending strained royal ties.