As the 2024 U.S. presidential election looms, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are allegedly making renewed efforts to heal the rift with the royal family, driven by mounting pressures and political uncertainties in the United States.
In recent weeks, Prince Harry has reportedly been reaching out to his father, King Charles, as the monarch undergoes treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. The Duke of Sussex even made a surprise trip to London, where he was seen meeting with his father. Following the meeting, Harry expressed the importance of family unity during challenging times, telling reporters, “Throughout all these families I see it on a day-to-day basis, the strength of the family unit coming together. I think any illness, any sickness brings families together.”
Political Pressures and Trump Threats
The Daily Mail’s Richard Eden has suggested that these efforts to reconcile with the royal family may be linked to the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the potential repercussions for the Sussexes. In his op-ed, Eden highlighted the ongoing threats from Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, which have reportedly left Prince Harry and Meghan feeling uneasy.
“It seems quite clear that they are desperate to start healing the rift,” an ex-employee of the royal household told Eden. This sense of urgency is believed to be fueled by concerns over Harry’s residency status in the U.S., particularly following statements from Trump’s son, Eric, who recently criticized the Duke and Duchess, calling them “spoiled apples” and hinting at potential deportation for Harry if the Republicans win the election.
“You can happily have those two… We might not want them anymore; it feels like they’re on an island of their own,” Eric Trump remarked, further escalating tensions between the Sussexes and the Trump family.
Visa Concerns and Legal Challenges
Prince Harry’s legal standing in the United States has been under scrutiny since former President Donald Trump suggested that the Duke could face deportation if it were discovered that he provided false information on his visa application. According to U.S. law, Harry’s past admissions in his memoir, Spare, where he disclosed the use of drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, and psychedelic mushrooms, could potentially jeopardize his visa status, reported the Daily Mail.
The issue of immigration status is particularly sensitive, as any discrepancies in his application could lead to significant legal challenges for Prince Harry, who has been residing in the U.S. since 2020.
Strained Relations with Trump
The relationship between Meghan Markle and Donald Trump has been fraught with tension, dating back to her acting days. Meghan, who starred in the legal drama Suits, has previously criticized Trump, labeling him as divisive and misogynistic. During an interview in Toronto, she even suggested that she might choose to remain in Canada rather than return to the U.S. if Trump were to become president.
This public criticism has further complicated the Sussexes’ situation, as they navigate their position in a politically charged environment that could have far-reaching implications for their family.
A Pivotal Moment for the Sussexes
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face an uncertain future, their attempts to mend fences with the royal family may reflect a strategic move to ensure stability amid growing political tensions. The couple’s relationship with the royal family has been strained since their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, and this renewed effort to reconcile could be a crucial step toward rebuilding those bonds.
Whether these efforts will bear fruit remains to be seen, but the Sussexes’ situation highlights the complexities of balancing personal relationships with public responsibilities in an ever-changing political landscape.
