The longstanding feud between Prince William and his younger sibling Harry has been ongoing for several years. Harry confessed that they were “on different paths”, underlining the unexpected extent of their separation.
Rumours suggest that the rapid progression of Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle intensified the strain. At the time, reports even elicited an official rebuttal to dismiss allegations that Prince William was deeply concerned about Harry’s rush to publicise his romance with Meghan.
In 2016, as the relationship played out in the public eye, Kensington Palace issued a statement affirming Prince William’s empathetic position on the couple’s wish for privacy, particularly following a heartfelt appeal from Prince Harry, who expressed worries for Meghan’s safety, according to OK!
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace stated that: “The (then) Duke of Cambridge absolutely understands the situation concerning privacy and supports the need for Prince Harry to support those closest to him,” unequivocally endorsing Harry’s plea to shield Meghan from intrusive attention.
Harry’s statement outlined his apprehensions for Meghan amidst media focus. “His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. Some of this has been very public,” it alleged, reports the Mirror.
“The smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments.
“Some of it has been hidden from the public – the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life.”
In the eight years since their first meeting, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have tied the knot and welcomed two children, Archie and Lilibet. Their decision to step back from Royal duties in 2020 and their ongoing journey to carve out new roles outside of the Royal family continues to be a focal point for media attention.
This week is particularly significant for the Duke of Sussex as he embarked on a solo trip to New York City to attend the UN General Assembly’s high-level debates and Climate Week.
Climate Week will run until September 29, with High-level Week taking place from September 23 to September 27. As per the announcement, Prince Harry will be “advancing a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives.”
A spokesperson revealed that his schedule in the city included engagements with African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst. The Diana Awards also confirmed that he will be attending an event to celebrate the charity’s 25th anniversary.
In addition, Harry will be advancing the work of The Archewell Foundation, the non-profit organisation he co-founded with Meghan.
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