Amid ongoing tensions, speculation arises over whether the royal family will acknowledge the Sussexes’ sixth wedding anniversary.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are preparing to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary on Sunday, 19th May. As the couple marks this milestone, public attention is focused on whether the Windsor family will extend any greetings or acknowledgements to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Recent Snubs and Current Tensions

Over the past two months, the royal family has noticeably refrained from publicly congratulating Prince Harry and Meghan on significant occasions. They did not acknowledge Prince Archie’s birthday, nor did they attend the Invictus Games event hosted by the Duke of Sussex on 8th May. This pattern has fueled speculation that the family may also choose to ignore the couple’s wedding anniversary.

Grant Harrold, a former royal butler, commented on the situation: “Typically, the royal family do acknowledge wedding anniversaries, we usually see social media posts so it’ll be interesting to see if that happens this year. If they don’t, once again it goes to show the ongoing division. If it does happen, then I see that as an olive branch.”

Impact of Past Disputes

The absence of royal family members at significant events for the Sussexes highlights the ongoing estrangement. Prince Harry’s return to the UK for the Invictus Games did not include a meeting with King Charles III, ostensibly due to the King’s “full schedule.” However, some insiders suggest that Prince William might be a significant barrier to reconciliation between Harry and his father.

“There is a public misconception about William and Harry. It is William who was often the difficult one, and it is William who is preventing his father from having a proper reconciliation with Harry. This isn’t helpful at a point in time when the country would be buoyed up by seeing them together again, as would the King,” a former palace official told the Daily Telegraph.

Prince William’s New Role and Its Implications

The situation was further complicated when King Charles appointed Prince William as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role previously anticipated for Prince Harry due to his decade-long military service. This move is perceived by some as a deliberate slight against Harry, emphasizing his current outsider status within the royal family.

Katie Nicholl, a royal biographer, reflected on the timing and implications of this appointment: “For many years, he served two tours in Afghanistan. You know, the timing is curious. I think many people will see that as a bit of a snub, really, from the palace, and perhaps a little bit of a poke in the ribs to Prince Harry.”

Analysis:

Political Perspective

From a political standpoint within the royal institution, the continued snubbing of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle underscores the complex dynamics of power and influence within the family. Extending or withholding public acknowledgements can be seen as strategic moves that reflect the current state of relationships.

Sociological Perspective

Sociologically, the rift between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the royal family mirrors broader societal issues of family estrangement and conflict. The public’s interest in these dynamics highlights how deeply royal narratives resonate with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and reconciliation.

Psychological Perspective

Psychologically, the ongoing tensions likely have profound effects on all parties involved. For Harry and Meghan, the lack of acknowledgement from their family could exacerbate feelings of isolation and rejection. For the rest of the royal family, the decision to publicly acknowledge or ignore significant milestones can be a calculated attempt to manage their public image and internal dynamics.

Local Perspective

Locally, the British public’s perception of the royal family is influenced by these visible gestures of acceptance or rejection. Acknowledging Harry and Meghan’s anniversary could be seen as a step toward healing, while continued silence might reinforce the image of a deeply divided family.

Future Outlook

As the anniversary approaches, whether the royal family will extend an olive branch remains uncertain. Any public acknowledgement would be significant, potentially signalling a thaw in the icy relations. However, continued silence will likely perpetuate the narrative of estrangement and division.

For Harry and Meghan, navigating these complex family dynamics while maintaining their public and private lives in the US continues to be a challenge. The couple’s ability to foster a sense of normalcy for their children amidst these tensions will be crucial in the coming years.