Prince Harry’s scathing remarks about Queen Camilla continue to reverberate within the royal family, with a prominent royal expert dashing any hope of reconciliation ahead of his upcoming trip to the UK.
Two years after the release of his controversial memoir Spare, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams discussed the lasting impact of Harry’s criticism on his relations with the royal family, particularly with Queen Camilla. Speaking to Royal Insider, Fitzwilliams stated that the Duke of Sussex “crossed a line” in his assessment of the Queen Consort, adding that while the royal family has remained publicly silent on the matter, Harry’s words have only deepened the rift within the family.
In his memoir, Harry expressed his complicated feelings about King Charles marrying Camilla, writing, “I had complex feelings about gaining a step-parent who, I believed, had recently sacrificed me on her personal PR altar.” He also added, “In a funny way, I even wanted Camilla to be happy. Maybe she’d be less dangerous if she was happy?”
Fitzwilliams noted that the fallout from Harry’s memoir and his media interviews promoting it had exacerbated tensions within the family, contributing to the Sussexes being evicted from Frogmore Cottage. “Things have not settled down since his allegations,” the expert remarked. “His criticism of Queen Camilla was regarded as having crossed a line.”
Despite this, Fitzwilliams pointed out that the royal family, particularly King Charles and the Princess of Wales, have other pressing concerns, such as health issues, which have taken precedence over addressing Harry’s comments. “The Sussexes have ceased their attacks, for obvious reasons, as it would look appalling at a time like this,” he added.
The commentator also noted the ongoing tension between Harry and his family, highlighted by their awkward encounters at events like the Memorial Service for their uncle Lord Fellowes, where Harry and Prince William reportedly did not speak. “The rift is as wide as ever,” Fitzwilliams observed.
As Harry prepares for his court appearance later this month, Fitzwilliams speculated that the royal family is likely to keep their distance from him, despite his brief return to the UK. “Harry’s memoir, though not expanded in the paperback edition, is not forgotten or forgiven,” Fitzwilliams concluded. “It must largely be a memory to them.”
