Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Are Emerging 'Alternative Royal Family,' Royal Expert Says
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear to be "desperately trying to be a rival royal family" following their trip to Nigeria, according to a report.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a three-day visit to the African nation last weekend. The reception they received and the various engagements they attended were reportedly similar to an official royal tour. Gareth Russell, a historian and author, told The Sun that "an alternative royal family is emerging," alluding to Prince Harry and Markle.
"To all intents and purposes that is a real possibility," he said. "The problem for the Sussexes is that once you start doing anything like that, people become a lot more critical of what you do outside that -- like commercial endeavors or quasi-royal tours. People will put them under more of a microscope because they're calling it 'The Office of Harry and Meghan.'"
Russell said it was interesting, but he also wondered if it was part of the Sussexes' plan to "pivot from some harsh headlines they've had in the last year or two." He also suggested it was probably a "more social conservative direction," and the Sussexes might want to be "royals in exile."
"I wonder is that them acting on advice that people don't want to hear them criticizing the royal family," Russell added.
According to the royal expert, Prince Harry and Markle's popularity was "pretty low" in the United States. However, he noted that "public opinion is always a bit of a rollercoaster." He also saw signs that the Sussexes could go on a U.S. tour.
Meanwhile, Prince William and King Charles were reportedly not pleased with the Sussexes' trip to Nigeria. The British monarch and heir apparent were furious since the Sussexes' visit appeared similar to an official royal tour when they traveled as private citizens.
"William is absolutely furious and determined to find a way to stop this happening in [the] future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him," Tom Quinn, royal biographer and commentator, told the Mirror.
"What's really upset the applecart is the fact that that the Nigerians treated Meghan and Harry as if they too thought this was an official tour -- all the signs were there as the couple were greeted with dances, receptions, visits to schools and charities."
Royal expert and commentator Richard Eden suggested that the British monarch take action. The Sussexes had other trips planned for the remainder of the year, and Eden warned that the way Prince Harry and Markle handle their visits to other nations could be "very dangerous."
"Harry made a comment about this being the first of many, and I've been hearing mutterings in diplomatic circles here that there is great concern about this because it is very dangerous. You've got Harry and Meghan potentially visiting countries without that control that we have," Eden said on the "Palace Confidential" podcast.
"Any trips by royals are organized by the foreign office, it's all monitored, you make sure they're not being used, but in this case, Harry and Meghan are open to being manipulated by foreign governments who may not have the interests at heart of Britain or America and I think it is dangerous."
