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After Kate Middleton's cancer announcement, sources close to the royals shared that she and King Charles were bonding and closer than ever — and then, more sources claimed she was helping to mend a rift that had formed between the king and his eldest son, Prince William. Someone that's being left out? That'd be Will's little brother, Prince Harry, who may feel more "spare" than ever, according to royal historian and expert Dr. Tessa Dunlop.
In the wake of all the news of the royals being closer than ever, she says that Harry, being far, far away, could be feeling left out of many conversations, which is evidenced by the fact that he reportedly found out about Kate's health with the rest of the world.
"Harry and Meghan posited themselves as the alternative to royalty, the couple who believed in service outside monarchy. They encouraged us to look at them as an American version of royalty-lite (their children are prince and princess)," Dunlop shared with The Mirror. "All their branding nudges us towards sideways glances between the House of Montecito and the House of Windsor. "
The expert continued, saying that Meghan's upcoming lifestyle brand may cause an even bigger rift between the royals, especially as she leans into the California vibes. Dunlop added that all eyes are on the Sussexes as they head to the U.K. this summer and that Harry and Meghan have to tread carefully as they navigate their time abroad.
"Duchess Meghan is using more than a touch of regal glamour to brand her new site, American Riveria Orchard. Meanwhile, Harry is the self-identifying royal 'Spare,'" Dunlop continued. "And in the wake of his sister-in-law's health revelations, I expect he feels more spare than ever. The Sussexes must plan their next public move with extreme care. The timing and optics matter like never before."
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Dunlop added that the public's perception of the Sussexes is embroiled in controversy as well as admiration, since the couple has endured things like a high-speed chase in New York and the press constantly prying into their lives, even in California. The expert added that with Kate's cancer diagnosis, the spotlight has rightfully shifted to her, and she's received an outpouring of support, even calling the public response to her video "spellbinding." If Harry and Meghan want to get a similar response from royal fans, Dunlop notes, it's going to be tough for them.
"Sure, Harry and Meghan had a right to complain about press intrusion and difficult dynamics within the institution of royalty. But can anything compare with the nightmare assault on Kate over the last two months?" Dunlop added. "She was behind palace walls, grappling with major surgery and a cancer diagnosis when the world was losing its mind over her whereabouts. The Princess of Wales's response was spellbinding. A lesson in magnanimity — she thanked us for our messages and reached out beyond the trolls to fellow cancer sufferers. That is a very hard act to follow."
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