Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ambitious plans for a UK visit this month have descended into a 'total mess', according to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams. The Duke of Sussex arrived in London alone this week, amid months of speculation about whether Meghan and their children would accompany him. While the official reason for the trip is to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, sources suggest Harry also aimed to 'boost' his personal brand by renewing ties with the Royal Family.
Planned 'Money Shot' with King Charles Backfires
Fitzwilliams told the Daily Express that the couple deliberately planned the visit to secure a 'money shot' of the family with King Charles. 'They wanted the money shot of the family with the King. Then the King attended the opening of Invictus as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. It was intended to boost them commercially using emotional blackmail,' he said. However, the strategy unravelled due to a series of missteps and a breakdown in communication with Buckingham Palace.
Security and Accommodation Disputes
Harry decided to travel alone after failing to secure taxpayer-funded security for his wife and children. The uncertainty over who would visit led to a row about accommodation. Harry initially turned down an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace, then changed his mind when he decided to travel solo. By then, the offer had been withdrawn, with the Palace stating that appropriate hospitality and staffing were no longer available. Fitzwilliams noted: 'Harry clearly feels aggrieved. Reports indicated that he was close to tears on the security decision, according to Vanity Fair. He prevaricated over the accommodation offered at the Palace and it's clear the King is fed up with his errant son by withdrawing access.'
Legal Case Adds to Tensions
The Palace also suggested that Harry's legal case against Associated Newspapers played a role in the withdrawal of the accommodation offer. Harry and several other high-profile individuals lost their High Court case against the Daily Mail's publisher over allegations of voicemail interception, landline tapping, and obtaining information by deception. The verdict was announced on Tuesday afternoon, further complicating the visit.
Outlook: 'Total Mess' and Distrust
Fitzwilliams said he does not foresee other Royal Family members supporting the couple. 'I don't see any other Royal Family members supporting them. The trip has become a total mess. It does prove they have an international profile, but their insincerity is almost tangible, which is why they are not trusted.' The visit, once seen as an opportunity for reconciliation and brand-building, now appears to have deepened the rift between the Sussexes and the monarchy.
