1 Popular Royal Makes a Subtle Dig at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Over ‘Slimmed-Down’ Monarchy Comments
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the royal family back in 2020 after they didn’t like how they were treated by other family members and by the British press. Ever since, the two have been building a new life in the United States, but it’s come at the expense of having very little relationship with Harry’s family.
When King Charles initially envisioned taking the throne, he thought a “slimmed-down” approach to the monarchy was best. But one surprising royal spoke of that idea this year, and seemed to make a subtle dig at Harry and Meghan ruining that vision.
Princess Anne takes a subtle jab at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for leaving the royal family
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II. She is an extremely dedicated royal family member and completed more engagements in 2023 than both Charles and Prince William. It seems that she’s also not afraid to speak her mind. Earlier this year, Anne spoke of the idea of a slimmed-down monarchy the way Charles envisioned it, but she seemed to suggest that Harry and Meghan’s departure changed the family’s ability to focus more on royals who are closer to the throne.
“Well, I think the ‘slimmed-down’ [monarchy] was said in a day when there were a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment,” Anne said in an interview with CBC, according to Express.
“I mean, it doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I have to say. I’m not quite sure what else, you know, we can do,” Anne continued.
It seems that she was directly suggesting that Harry and Meghan’s departure has left the family in a place of uncertainly as far as taking on royal duties. Plus, the royal family was further strained when Kate Middleton and Charles both took well-deserved medical leave this year while they put their health first.
Princess Anne once had a close relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
It’s unclear exactly where things stand between Anne, Harry, and Meghan today. Harry’s aunt was once very kind to him, even making a substantial effort to talk to Harry while he attended his father’s coronation in May 2023. William, Harry’s brother, reportedly didn’t speak to him at all during the event.
However, based on Anne’s comments, it seems there could be some frustration from the Princess Royal over Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave the family, given that the royals needed the extra help this year. It remains to be seen whether Harry and Meghan will ever get back on strong terms with Harry’s relatives.
