King Charles Called ‘Petty’ For ‘Humiliating’ Prince Harry Twice This Week
King Charles has faced criticism for what some perceive as “pettiness” after he repeatedly brushed off Prince Harry during his recent visit to the United Kingdom. A royal expert has suggested that this behavior could damage the King’s public image.
On May 7, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex confirmed that King Charles would not be meeting with his son due to an allegedly packed working schedule amid his cancer diagnosis. This refusal to meet Harry sparked criticism from observers who believe the monarch should prioritize family connections, particularly given his health concerns.
The timing of the announcement which coincided with the Duke of Sussex’s arrival in the UK has raised eyebrows. These developments appeared to be shocking for some royal experts. as Newsweek‘s chief royal correspondent Jack Royston told Sky News: “I think it’s very disappointing. I also think the monarchy is at risk here of looking a little bit petty.”
He added: “Charles is going to give William an accolade that 100% would have gone to Harry if Harry was still a working member of the royal family.” Royston explained: “Harry served in the Army Air Corps in Afghanistan. He was a co-pilot gunner of an Apache helicopter. And he fought on the front line, putting his life at risk.”
Adding to the perceived snub, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles would soon join Prince William to formally hand over a regiment that was previously under Prince Harry’s leadership. This decision is viewed by some as a further slight against Harry, who has already felt marginalized by the royal establishment.
The ongoing tension between the monarch and his youngest son has been a source of public fascination and controversy. The strained relationship became more evident after Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and moved to California. Subsequent interviews and Harry’s memoir Spare revealed deep rifts within the family, particularly between Harry and his father.
Critics have noted that King Charles’s refusal to meet with Harry could worsen public perception of the royal family, especially given the already strained relations. Royal commentator Angela Mollard emphasized that Charles’s actions could be seen as an unnecessary display of “pettiness.”
“The King’s refusal to meet Harry, even briefly, is incredibly damaging to his public image. People expect the King to rise above personal differences and show unity, especially in difficult times,” Mollard stated.
Despite the criticism, King Charles remains focused on his royal duties. His collaboration with Prince William to reassign Harry’s former regiment reflects the ongoing transition of royal responsibilities and emphasizes the role of the Prince of Wales in shaping the future of the monarchy.