In 2016, Prince Harry and then-actress Meghan Markle began a lightning relationship, and it didn't take long for alarm bells to ring within the royal family. According to Omid Scobie's recently published book Endgame, Prince Harry's older brother, Prince William, began to worry that Prince Harry and Meghan's relationship was developing too quickly.
As the future king, Prince William is tasked with preserving the monarchy, and he understandably worries that Prince Harry's new relationship with a divorced American woman will affect the well-managed royal family's public image. It is reported that Prince William quietly called his younger brother aside at the beginning and warned him to take his time.
Scobie wrote: "Meghan Markle's arrival was a shock to the whole system, and William was quick to express concern that Prince Harry was too quick to get involved with someone far removed from his brother's life. ”
The author notes that in Prince William's view, Prince Harry's lightning love seems to have come "at the expense of family image."
Scobie explained that royal insiders believe Prince Harry is "in a hurry to do something that could have serious consequences". Considering Meghan's background as a successful actress and divorcee, there is an unprecedented departure from her image as a royal wife in the past. While no one doubts Meghan's warmth and kindness, it's reasonable to question whether she truly understands the rigors and level of scrutiny that comes with being a senior royal.
As an heir to the throne who has been carefully groomed from birth, William knows better than anyone the responsibilities that his family bears. For him, it's not just about his brother's personal well-being, it's about protecting a 1,000-year-old institution.
William's concern is not unfounded, he fears that Prince Harry is so immersed in a new love that he doesn't properly determine whether Meghan is ready for royal life or what impact their relationship might have on the royal family.
But according to Scobby's ***, Prince Harry did not follow his brother's advice and was instead unhappy with William's interference in his private life. Their already strained brotherly relationship is said to have broken down further.
An insider has observed that William's demeanor seems to have shifted from a compassionate big brother to one who only focuses on fulfilling his important royal obligations when dealing with Prince Harry and Meghan. The source told Scobie: "William no longer acts like a brother, but becomes more like a man who only cares about the throne. ”
This more serious, obligatory image contrasts sharply with William's usual cheerful public image. "William always brings a ray of sunshine to royal events, he's happy, he's always willing to joke with you, he's interested in the people around him," Skoby said, citing his ***.
The man I see today, of course, takes the job more seriously....But William also had a tougher, almost more tired demeanor. "The pressure to maintain the royal family, coupled with his obvious concern that Prince Harry's relationship might affect the esteemed institution, does seem to weigh heavily on the shoulders of the future king.
While Prince Harry is still stubbornly obsessed with his new love, William's concerns are indeed a bit prescient. Meghan's entry into the royal arena has sparked a frenzy that has not been seen in decades. Her mestizo and American ancestry broke many of the royal family's norms and traditions. Every aspect of her private life is greedily dissected by gossip columns and social **.
For Meghan, who is not Xi to such a strong public interest and unprepared for the lack of privacy, the onslaught of negative news has taken a heavy emotional toll on her, manifesting as obvious unhappiness. At the same time, Prince Harry seems to have found William's early warnings to Meghan difficult to forgive or forget, adding to the tensions between the once close brothers.
In hindsight, William's opposition, while motivated by concern for his brother and duty to the royal family, may have only caused an early rift between him and Prince Harry. Although Prince William sincerely wants to protect his family, his well-intentioned concerns are inappropriate and inappropriately expressed, as Prince Harry's mind is full of criticism of the woman he loves.
Over the past turbulent years, this early clash of opinions has evolved into an irreconcilable family conflict. Today, Prince Harry lives in the United States with Meghan and their son Archie, and the brothers' once-strong bond is a distant memory.
Perhaps their relationship might have been salvaged if William had been more sensitive, compassionate, and more concerned about Prince Harry's well-being in his new relationship than just coldly performing his duties. However, the past cannot be rewritten, and we can only hope that the royal brothers will reconcile and repair their relationship in the coming years.