Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent visit to Nigeria and their efforts to enhance their public image may position them as a more stylish counterpart to William and Kate.
With the Prince and Princess of Wales scaling back their royal duties due to Kate’s cancer treatment, it seems that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have increased their public appearances despite their non-royal status. Although they stepped back from royal duties in 2020, they retained their royal titles.
Critics have compared their recent three-day trip to Nigeria to a traditional royal tour. Buckingham Palace has now announced that the Royal Family will postpone engagements that could potentially divert attention or detract from the election campaign.
Royal author and expert Tom Quinn exclusively told the Mirror : “Harry and Meghan, the renegade Royals, will struggle to conceal their delight that the Royal family has decided to postpone much of its work in the run-up to the general election at the beginning of July.”
He added: “Freed of the normal constraints on working royals, Harry and Megan are canny enough to know that this gives them a chance to fill the gap – that in the coming weeks the focus is bound to shift to them. You only have to look at photographs of the couple during their recent Nigeria tour to see that that they are determined to be seen as a more relaxed, more fashionable version of William and Kate.
“That’s why they make sure they are constantly seen holding hands and emphasising their commitment to the young and disadvantaged.”
He concluded: “It’s a clever pitch from a couple who want to be seen as the fun alternative to the fusty, out of touch and now largely shutdown Royal family.”
For the unversed Palace announced that royal engagements are set to be postponed as a result of the announcement.
A spokesperson said: “Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon calling a General Election, The Royal Family will – in accordance with normal procedure – postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign.
“Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result.”