Prince Harry is ‘desperate clinging to major aspect of royal life like comfort blanket’ – expert

Despite stepping back from royal duties and critiquing the institution in multiple public forums, Prince Harry seems to be holding on to elements of his former royal life, which an expert describes as his “comfort blanket.” This observation comes amid their recent visit to Colombia with Meghan Markle, which bore a resemblance to official royal engagements. The trip, seen as a “DIY royal tour,” involved a series of engagements typical of royal tours, such as meeting with dignitaries, attending forums, and engaging in cultural activities. These actions, while echoing the structured nature of royal duties, have led some to speculate about the couple’s intentions and their desire to maintain relevance on the global stage.

Royal correspondent Rebecca English has questioned the purpose behind the Sussexes’ tour, suggesting it may be an attempt to retain some semblance of their royal identity. She noted that while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have distanced themselves from the formalities and constraints of royal life, they appear to be emulating the very structure they criticized. This paradox has raised questions among royal watchers about whether they are genuinely attempting to forge a new path or simply clinging to the familiar.

The tour’s nature has sparked debate on its relevance and objectives. While official royal visits are typically orchestrated by the government to serve clear diplomatic or economic purposes, the Sussexes’ trip lacked an apparent objective beyond public appearances and media engagement. English suggests that Harry and Meghan’s efforts might reflect a need for validation or a continued desire to influence and remain prominent on the world stage. She notes that the format of their engagements closely mirrors the structured royal tours, which could be an unconscious or deliberate choice by Harry, as it is “pretty much the only thing he has ever known.”

Critics of the tour also pointed out the irony of Harry and Meghan choosing to visit Colombia, a country with travel advisories for safety, especially considering Harry’s vocal concerns about security for his family in the UK. The juxtaposition between Harry’s security concerns at home and his willingness to travel to potentially dangerous regions has raised eyebrows and led to speculation about the motivations behind their global engagements.

However, the Colombian government, particularly Vice President Francia Márquez’s office, defended the visit, stating that it aimed to showcase Colombia as a growing tourist destination and a hub for international investment. Márquez emphasized that the couple’s presence helped to shift global perceptions of Colombia from a nation associated with violence to one rich in cultural diversity and hospitality. She also cited the impact of the Netflix series “Harry & Meghan,” which inspired her to extend an invitation, believing that their story could resonate with Colombians and promote positive narratives about the country on the international stage.

Despite mixed reactions to the tour, one thing remains clear: Harry and Meghan are attempting to navigate a delicate balance between distancing themselves from their royal past and leveraging the prominence that comes with it. This duality reflects their complex relationship with their former roles and the ongoing challenge of redefining their identities outside the royal fold. As they continue to engage in public and philanthropic endeavors, they face the scrutiny of both their critics and supporters, all of whom are keenly watching to see how the couple’s narrative evolves.

Ultimately, Prince Harry’s actions suggest a complex relationship with his royal heritage. While he has sought to break away from the constraints and criticisms of his former life, his continued engagement in activities that mirror traditional royal roles indicates that he may still be grappling with his past. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex carve out their path, they continue to straddle the line between leveraging their royal connections and establishing a new, independent identity on the world stage.