Princess Kate could ‘pay the biggest price’ for the ‘Kardashian-ness’ of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK, according to royal commentator Daniela Elser
The return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Britain could create an unexpected headache for the Princess of Wales, with royal commentator Daniela Elser warning that Kate Middleton may be the family member most exposed to the renewed Sussex spotlight.
Prince Harry, Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, returned to the UK from California in late August, six years after the couple stepped back from royal duties and established a new life in the United States. The family is understood to be settling into private life outside London, with their children attending school in Britain.
Their return does not, however, represent a return to the working monarchy. King Charles has formally reaffirmed that Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals and private citizens, with no plans for them to resume official royal duties.
Even so, their presence back in Britain has immediately revived questions about the long-running tensions between the Sussexes and the wider Royal Family – particularly Harry’s relationship with his brother, Prince William, and his past criticism of Kate.
Writing for news.com.au, Elser argues that the biggest problem for William and Kate may not be a direct confrontation, but the sheer attention generated by Harry and Meghan.
“The issue of the Sussexes 2.0 is not just one of our fickle attention, but of narrative and image,” Elser writes.
She said the Sussexes’ high-profile public persona contrasts with the carefully managed approach adopted by William and Kate, who have increasingly presented themselves as a modern, purpose-driven future King and Queen.
“William and Kate have one story they want to tell and sell – look at us helping make the world better!” Elser says, pointing to their work on issues including climate, mental health and childhood development.
But she argues this work risks being drowned out by the drama surrounding Harry and Meghan, describing their return as having a “Kardashian-ness” that could dominate public attention.
She writes: “Who cares about some new clever-clogs solar panels or anxiety initiative when we could be focused on the juicy, human drama of the prodigal, reportedly uncontrite, son and his polarising lady wife who loves a social media post?”
For Kate, the problem is particularly personal because the Sussexes’ return also threatens to resurrect old stories about their relationship.
Elser points to the long-running account of tensions between Kate and Meghan, including the much-discussed bridesmaid dress dispute surrounding Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding.
“The same goes for Kate,” Elser writes. She argues that Harry and Meghan’s return could revive the competing narratives surrounding their relationship and once again place Kate in the uncomfortable position of being compared directly with Meghan.
“Having the Sussexes back side-by-side in the UK with the Waleses resurrects these narratives and the goodies-versus-baddies binary,” Elser concludes.
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