In 2020, Prince Harry made the decision to step away from his royal responsibilities and embark on a new life in the United States. His choice echoed a historical parallel from the Royal Family when King Edward VIII, later known as the Duke of Windsor, ascended to the throne in January 1936. However, he abdicated by the end of the same year due to his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. This decision caused a significant upheaval within the monarchy.
Comparisons have been drawn between the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson’s situation and the one faced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Royal historian Hugo Vickers, author of “Behind Closed Doors: The Tragic Untold Story of Wallis Simpson,” suggests that the similarities lie more between Harry and the Duke rather than between Meghan and Mrs. Simpson.
Vickers highlights the pressure felt by both Harry and the Duke of Windsor due to their royal status, leading them to prioritize personal happiness over duty. He questions the intentions behind their choices, emphasizing the fundamental role of duty in royal life. With Harry and Meghan stepping back from their roles, the royal expert points out the importance of having a robust support system of working royals to uphold the monarchy’s responsibilities.
Looking ahead, as Prince William hints at a streamlined monarchy once he assumes the throne, Vickers stresses the need for a strong network of working royals to share the workload. He believes that involving other family members in royal duties is essential for the monarchy’s future success.
Despite recent challenges faced by the Royal Family, Vickers remains optimistic about the monarchy’s future, particularly under the leadership of Prince William and Catherine. He sees a promising path forward with the younger generation of royals continuing the legacy of dedication and service to the nation.