Harry and Meghan have been out of the royal family for six years, but their recent trip to Jordan felt like an official tour, as they visited a hospital, a youth center, and an organization dedicated to distributing food in crisis areas.
They traveled at the invitation of the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, met with Jordanian leaders and senior health officials, and participated in a WHO roundtable.
Why the trip is seen as a not-so-subtle message to the Prince and Princess of Wales
Author and royal researcher Ingrid Seward offers an interesting take on all of this. For her, the trip carried an additional layer: “Their trip to the Middle East appears to be part political, part message – and is it a secret message to William and Kate, or a blatant one?”
The argument is that the Sussexes are, more or less explicitly, saying they are available, can help, and have the capacity to do humanitarian work at that level.
A reminder of what they could contribute if there were some form of reintegration. Of course, no one has officially confirmed it, but as a political interpretation, it makes sense.
Could Andrew’s scandal pave the way for reconciliation between Harry and his family?
Seward also points out what I find to be the most interesting thread in this whole story. The scandal surrounding Andrew, who was arrested last month for alleged misconduct, may have indirectly created a diplomatic opening for Harry.
“The Andrew situation has undoubtedly created a sort of olive branch for Harry,” the expert states. She believes Harry almost certainly contacted his brother and father to express support, although whether there was an actual response is another matter.
Additionally, Harry wants King Charles to play a role in the upcoming Invictus Games, which will be held in the United Kingdom, indicating a genuine interest in maintaining some form of connection.
Professional reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royal family
Seward is clear on one point: a personal truce is possible, but a professional one is not. “I don’t think they are pliable enough to return to the roles they once had,” she says. Another factor not to be underestimated is the comfortable, independent life they have built in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, far removed from British protocol.
Regarding Kate, Seward acknowledges that her friendship with Harry was real and genuine, but the damage caused by the accusations in Spare remains. “She must also be very angry with him,” she concludes.