King Charles faced calls to distance Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the British royal spotlight following their return to the country. Royal biographer Tom Bower branded the monarch “weak” and urged him to reject any suggestion of a royal comeback.
Meanwhile, podcast host Tom Sykes questioned whether the Sussexes’ presence could damage the King’s legacy. The criticism followed their return to Britain in late August after six years in California. However, Buckingham Palace subsequently clarified that the couple remained non-working members of the Royal Family.
Tom Bower asks King Charles to make the decision and ask Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to leave
According to a RadarOnline report, Tom Sykes questioned the King’s response to the Sussexes. The “Royalist” podcast host claimed Britons were watching their monarch “rolling out the red carpet” for Harry. He also alleged the duke received “every courtesy of being a royal” despite no longer performing official duties. Furthermore, Sykes questioned whether allowing their return was a “really bad, legacy-defining decision of his reign.” Meanwhile, Bower agreed with the criticism, calling Charles “weak” and claiming, “He hates confrontation.”
Additionally, the “Betrayal” author linked Charles’ reluctance to unresolved family tensions. Bower claimed the monarch felt guilt about Harry’s childhood, particularly following Princess Diana’s death. He described the situation as “a very, very great mess.” Moreover, he argued that constant media coverage made royal disagreements harder to conceal. “He’s just got to make a decision,” Bower insisted. He added, “He’s got to decide to get rid of them. Tell them to leave.” The biographer also demanded assurances that the Sussexes could never resume working royal duties.
Separately, Buckingham Palace clarified the couple’s status following their late-August return to Britain. A September letter stated there was “no change to the current status” of the Sussexes. The guidance reiterated that their HRH styles remained in abeyance and that their charitable activities would be undertaken in a private capacity. However, RadarOnline reported that their representatives preferred the term “public figures” over “private citizens.” The couple subsequently attended charity engagements, including an October visit to Nottingham. Nevertheless, Bower urged the palace to adopt his proposed approach, adding, “the sooner the better.” His demands remained personal recommendations rather than announced palace policy.
