Prince Harry and Meghan Markle don’t care about ruffling feathers… even if it delays their royal reconciliation.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may not be working royals in the traditional sense anymore, but they’re continuing to attend faux royal trips, visiting communities still linked to the monarchy as they support charities close to their hearts. It’s important work — and yet exactly what Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t going to support when the couple wanted a “half in, half out” approach to royal life.
Opening up on the new life the couple’s building for themselves, royal author Sally Bedell Smith told People on Wednesday:
“They are pushing the envelope and making it much more difficult for reconciliation to happen.”
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Harry’s gonna make it especially hard for himself if he continues doing things like his trip to Ukraine, where he got candid about international politics — something the royals would NEVER dare do! Valentine Low noted:
“The monarchy is meant to be above politics and commercial imperatives.”
A source close to Harry further pointed out:
“This is exactly what the late Queen wanted to avoid. This idea that he’s going against the wishes of the Queen by being half in, half out is nonsense. None of this is being done in the name of the institution.”
But the response to Harry and Meghan in Australia certainly proved there’s still a lot of love for them! Kylie Walters, royal correspondent for WHO magazine, detailed:
“There were joyful, smiling people everywhere they went. People wanted to see them.”
While Down Under, Harry also joined Invictus team members and veterans for a sailing event, where he “was completely relaxed — Invictus is where he belongs.” Walters continued:
“People gravitate toward him, and he knows how to make them feel special. The royal family misses out on that. It’s a sad reminder of the global platform he could have had. It’s the closest he’s going to get to continuing to serve on his own terms.”
But without the institution backing him up, it also means he and the Suits alum have opted to take on some pricey gigs, such as that incredibly expensive girls’ trip Meg spoke at! But the correspondent thinks that’s justified:
“They have a big security bill and a lifestyle to maintain, so it’s not surprising they’re taking on money-making ventures.”
Another source supported it, too, saying:
“They’re not reliant on Harry’s father or taxpayer-funded money. They pay their own bills and make their own money while continuing to support a lot of causes that might otherwise go unseen. It enables them to do what they love doing.”
Another insider also argued they’re simply “trying to live their life, raise their children, do meaningful work and earn a living.” They have to make money somehow, and Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are their main priority. A staffer said the kids “are their life” and work is scheduled around school hours with weekends reserved for family time.
“There’s a real warmth and a sense of normalcy.”
Whether they like it or not, the Sussexes ARE pushing the royals into the modern era — with all its flaws. Meghan received criticism when she teamed up with an AI-powered shopping platform called OneOff, allowing fans to buy all the outfits she wore while in Australia, earning her a commission. Tacky to some — downright “shocking” to her in-laws! Bethan Holt, fashion director at The Telegraph, reflected:
“The royals are influencers, but the mystique is that they are not promoting themselves as such.”
Bedell Smith added:
“Meghan is lifting the veil. It was shocking to see her go to the hospital and then sell the clothing she was wearing. I’ve never seen anybody in the royal family do that. I can’t imagine it went down well with the palace.”
NONE of this recent behavior is earning the Archewell founder any favors with his family, Queen Elizabeth’s former press secretary, Ailsa Anderson, said:
“It won’t help Harry’s case or promote good relations.”
But when it comes to his brother, Prince William, there’s probably nothing that’ll change the icy dynamic at this point, she added:
“What Harry and Meghan are doing is a nonnegotiable for William. He wouldn’t countenance any acceptance of it.”
Author Robert Jobson doubled down:
“William is over all the drama. He doesn’t need it, and he doesn’t want it. He’s too busy and focused on his own family.”
Bedell Smith insisted, “they’re at a standoff.” Meghan may continue to take the heat for this rift, but not everyone thinks she deserves the blame… not anymore, at least. A friend explained:
“Meghan lets [Harry] lead on all royal matters and dictate what needs to happen. But it would never put them at odds—they’re on the same team.”
A different confidant shared:
“It remains very emotional. Harry and Meghan are both realistic. They’re not approaching it with the expectation of a quick resolution. It’s about taking small, manageable steps and seeing where things land. This remains very important to Harry, with Meghan supportive.”
In the meantime, they’re leaning into their California community. Harry’s built a strong group of friends, including many dads, and he “really thrives on those friendships and values that sense of connection,” per a close source. Meghan’s group is small and loyal, full of longtime pals, and they often meet for workouts or quiet nights. Both are “very careful about who they allow into their lives,” a friend acknowledged. Meghan’s friend Kelly McKee Zajfen offered:
“No matter what she has going on, she always makes time for her friends. She really shows up, and not just when it’s easy.”
And it’s not easy, a source shared:
“They both try to focus on staying as positive as possible. But people forget they’re human beings, especially Meghan. There’s only so much a person can handle. … They wake up every day focused on being the best parents they can be. No matter what comes at them, they pick themselves up and keep moving forward.”
This includes Meghan’s “test-and-learn” style of work on As Ever, which she “wakes up thinking about new ideas and works on it all the time.” Despite reports of staff issues, a six-year employee pointed out “there are quite a few of us who’ve been here a long time,” noting that Meg’s company “is made up of young women, and she really champions them. She’s always said to be, ‘Just speak up’ — that’s one of her biggest things.”
The first staffer added that “they are the biggest champions of each other” and “the more adversity they face, the more they come together.” And so no matter how much controversy comes their way, this is just the beginning, Anderson said:
“This is the shape of things to come. There is nothing to stop them from doing this.”
Their Australia trip has lit a new fire under them, something those close to them have noticed, making them “very aware of the impact their presence can have,” according to the longtime staffer. And many think they could win back the public, Walters predicted:
“A lot is forgiven when you’re on the ground and you show up and do good work. That magic and allure of a royal doesn’t necessarily come down to a title.”
This is something the royal family is just going to have to deal with, then, Low said:
“The palace might not like it, but they can do it. The question is whether it’s sustainable.”
Hmm. Do YOU think Meghan and Harry could continue like this for the long term? Or would they be better off lying low and focusing on making amends with their family? Let us know (below).
