King Charles Offers 'More Compassion' to Harry and Meghan, Avoiding Past Royal Mistakes, Author Claims
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie suggests King Charles is adopting a more conciliatory approach towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, contrasting with past royal handling of similar situations.
King Charles is extending a greater degree of compassion to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in an effort to avoid repeating past mistakes made with the Duke of Windsor, according to royal biographer Andrew Lownie. Lownie claims the King finds himself in a 'difficult position' as he navigates his relationship with the Sussexes, particularly following their return to the UK.
Charles has reportedly shown an openness to reconciliation, hosting the Sussexes and their children at Highgrove House for an afternoon in July. This approach, Lownie suggests, is a conscious effort by the King to ensure that Harry and Meghan are not completely estranged from the Royal Family, especially as the couple are said to be fostering a relationship with the monarch since their return to Britain.
The King's strategy is seen as a departure from how previous monarchs handled familial rifts. It is implied that Charles is mindful of the historical precedent set by the abdication of his uncle, Edward VIII, in 1936, to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. This event caused a constitutional crisis and led to Edward being largely ostracized from royal life.
Lownie previously told The i that while Charles adopted a more 'sentimental' and 'very compassionate' approach towards Andrew, Prince William is demonstrating toughness. This difference in approach between father and son is reportedly aimed at ensuring a 'clean slate' for William's eventual reign.
While the relationship between the Sussexes and the Royal Family remains fraught with controversy since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020, King Charles has publicly maintained a more compassionate stance. This contrasts with Prince William, who is thought to have had no contact with his younger brother after the Sussexes' departure from royal life.
Lownie's commentary highlights the delicate balance King Charles is attempting to strike, aiming for family unity while upholding royal responsibilities and avoiding historical precedents of royal estrangement.