King Charles' relationship with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry has been strained since the couple's highly publicized exit from royal duties in 2020. While tensions initially revolved around their decision to step down, the situation has only worsened in recent years. There are several key reasons why King Charles is particularly incensed at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, each contributing to a complex and ongoing family feud.
One of the pivotal moments that intensified King Charles’ frustration was the bombshell interview Meghan and Harry gave to Oprah Winfrey in 2021. During this interview, the couple aired grievances about the royal family, alleging a lack of support and even raising concerns about racist comments directed toward their son, Archie. These revelations not only shocked the public but also deeply embarrassed the royal family, including King Charles. While the interview was a defining moment for Meghan and Harry’s post-royal brand, for Charles, it represented a betrayal of trust and a tarnishing of the monarchy's public image.
King Charles is also reportedly incensed by the way Meghan and Harry continue to publicly discuss their issues with the royal family. Through interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir *Spare*, the couple has frequently revisited their grievances, including Harry’s complicated relationship with his father. This constant airing of family drama has placed Charles in a difficult position, as he is bound by the royal family’s traditional “never complain, never explain” mantra. As the head of the monarchy, Charles is keen on protecting the institution, but the Sussexes’ ongoing revelations have made it harder for him to maintain the royal family’s dignity and discretion.
When Prince Harry released his tell-all memoir, *Spare*, in early 2023, it added fuel to the fire. The book offered candid details about Harry’s life, including his struggles growing up in the royal family and the breakdown of his relationship with his father. Harry claimed that Charles was emotionally distant during his childhood and continued to be unsupportive in his adulthood, which further strained their bond. For King Charles, this public airing of intimate family details was not just hurtful but also seen as an unforgivable breach of royal protocol. The memoir painted the royal family in a negative light and left Charles with more damage control to handle.
Another major source of frustration for King Charles is Meghan and Harry’s absence from key royal events. Although the couple has chosen to live in California, their absence from significant occasions like Prince Philip’s memorial or certain Jubilee celebrations has been seen as a slight to the family. For King Charles, the couple’s decision to distance themselves physically and emotionally from royal life is perceived as a rejection of the responsibilities that come with being a member of the monarchy. Their absence, coupled with the ongoing public criticisms, has made it clear that their relationship with the royal family is more fractured than ever.
King Charles’ frustration with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is rooted in a series of public betrayals, perceived slights, and their continued airing of grievances. The ongoing tension has not only hurt their family relationships but also placed strain on the royal institution, leaving Charles with a sense of anger and disappointment toward the couple who once had an integral role within the monarchy.
