Homesick Harry's Nostalgic Essay Raises Eyebrows
Prince Harry has found himself at the centre of fresh controversy this week, facing criticism on multiple fronts during what has proven to be his most unpredictable period yet. The Duke of Sussex, currently on a quasi-royal tour in Canada, was forced to deny accusations that he attempted to 'upstage' his older brother, Prince William, during the Prince of Wales's historic visit to Brazil.
The drama unfolded when Harry's team announced his trip to Toronto to meet veterans and military charities. This announcement came just minutes after William completed his first engagement in Brazil for the Earthshot Prize anniversary, a timing that royal commentators described as 'inevitable if not predictable'.
Analysing Harry's 'Britishness' Essay
Adding fuel to the fire, the Duke penned a heartfelt essay titled 'The Bond, The Banter, The Bravery: What it means to be British – By Prince Harry', despite having left the UK for what was dubbed a 'freedom flight' to the US. In the piece, he fondly recalled the 'banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands' as quintessentially British traits he loves.
Behavioural expert Judi James analysed the essay for hidden meanings, telling the Mirror: 'Though currently, I may live in the United States,' is the fascinating line. She suggested the wording implies his US residence is 'negotiable' and potentially hints at a return to the UK. James also interpreted the emphasis on 'banter' as a subconscious expression of missing his estranged brother William, with whom he shared relentless humour in their youth.
Perhaps most significantly, James noted the essay might contain a subtle message to Meghan, suggesting Harry finds life in America 'somewhat lacking' the complex humour and camaraderie he associates with Britain.
A Pattern of Diary Clashes and Royal Reactions
This incident continues a pattern observed since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties. In 2022, their Netflix series trailer dropped during William's Boston Earthshot visit. The following year, Harry appeared at a New York event while William was in Singapore for Earthshot. Again in November 2024, Harry made a surprise Chicago appearance during William's Cape Town Earthshot engagements.
Social media users quickly noticed the trend, with one commenting: 'Funny how Harry's 'announcements' ALWAYS coincide with Earthshot Awards.'
Harry's spokesperson firmly denied any intentional overshadowing, explaining that overseas trips can only be announced based on security advisors' guidance since he doesn't receive the same protection as working royals. They emphasised the Toronto events were 'planned nearly a year ago' and the Remembrance dates, extending from 1-11 November, are fixed.
Despite these explanations, royal insiders were reportedly unimpressed. Tom Sykes of the Daily Beast quoted a former aide saying 'It's not subtle', while another source suggested the move 'raised tempers' with William's friends. The timing was viewed by some as 'needlessly antagonistic' during the traditional Remembrance period.
The week concluded with starkly different scenes for the brothers. As Princess Kate and Prince George joined the King and Queen at London's Festival of Remembrance, Harry and Meghan attended Kris Jenner's James Bond themed 70th birthday party in Beverly Hills, though Harry notably wore a poppy with his tuxedo.
This series of events has led experts to question whether Harry's hoped-for royal reconciliation is becoming increasingly distant, with one observer noting the brothers' ceasefire remains 'anything but secure'.
