The Palace released a significant portrait of the new King.
The picture featured the three Princes of Wales, posing in confidence and displaying support signals.
Royal author believes that the precision of this portrait sends a “no way back” message to Harry and Meghan.
Following the Palace’s release, the Sussexes shared their personal photo, leading Angela Levin to note that they are in competition with the royals.
These symbolic events took place in October 2022.
Following the Queen’s death, the world witnessed unity among the royal family. Everyone, from far and wide, irrespective of the strained relationship, gathered to honor the Queen.
Simultaneously, either working or inactive royals paused their routines to join in the mourning. This included Meghan and Harry.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Reprezent 107.3FM on January 9, 2018 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The Duchess of Sussex had begun a Spotify podcast, “Archetypes,” in August. Its guest list, past, and future, is made up of game changers and big names in the entertainment industry, including Hollywood and sports.
However, out of respect for the Queen, Meghan paused new releases. According to the details on Spotify’s page, the program was scheduled to continue in October 4, 2022.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 3, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
“Archetypes” was the leading podcast in the US, displacing Joe Rogan’s “The Joe Rogan Experience” from the top position. The couple agreed to produce content for Spotify in 2020.
While their podcast may be at the top of a list, their names are nearly at the bottom of the Royal Family Website. Reportedly, the former senior royals have been “demoted” and placed second-to-last on the Members of Royal Family Page.
King Charles III and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, at the “Our Planet” global premiere at the Natural History Museum on April 04, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Fans would remember that before the Megxit, Harry was sixth in line to the throne, following William’s kids.
However, now that he is no longer an active senior royal, his name is on rock bottom, close to his uncle, Prince Andrew, who was relieved of his duties due to an alleged sex scandal.
Expectedly, the top on the list included active senior royals in order of succession. It started with King Charles III, the Queen Consort, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex, the Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Anne, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the town hall during the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 – One Year To Go events on September 06, 2022, in Dusseldorf, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
Royal fans reacted to this order that relegated Harry to the bottom. One person explained that it was appropriate since they were no longer members saddled with royal responsibilities. However, other fans refused to agree with Harry’s demotion. The commenter noted:
“no matter what you may think of them it is irrefutable that Harry is son of the King – shuffling lists cannot change that.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a local farming family, the Woodleys, on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the arguments this treatment may have provoked, each member of the royal family, active and inactive, has resumed their individual businesses.
The Royal Family’s Most Recent Portrait
Buckingham Palace released a historical photograph on October 4 to kickstart the new chapter. This picture, also King Charles’s first official portrait, was taken on the eve of the Queen’s death.
Exactly forty-eight hours after the Palace released the official portrait of the royals, fans got to see a new release of snapshots showing the Sussexes too.
King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort on October 3, 2022 in Dunfermline, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
It featured the reigning monarch decked in a black suit, and matching colored tie, while he stood, partly embracing his wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort. Camilla donned an all-black ensemble, from her dress to her socks and shoes.
Next to King Charles was his son towered above him in his signature navy blue suit. But, as expected, the Princess of Wales etched herself next to her husband—Kate was styled in a black long-sleeve dress.
The foursome had posed in front of a framed image of George IV, a former Prince of Wales, who was given the title following his birth in 1762.
King Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Pageant on June 05, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
This image was taken during the Buckingham Palace reception that welcomed guests, including heads of state and other dignitaries who flew to honor the Queen.
It explained their reason for choosing black as the dominant color for the shot. While they greeted the prominent figures, the senior members still remembered that they were mourning the Queen.
Amid their time of grief, the royals were all smiles in the photo as they posed close to each other. The King tucked one hand in his pocket, looking seemingly relaxed, while his son showed confidence in how he stood. The women also had wide-eyed grins, and this did not seem shy or stripped of confidence.
Royal expert Richard Kay’s theories about the photo hinted that pictures speak a thousand words. The author explained that their gestures showed support signs and confidence.
He added that the monarchy tried to pass a message, exalting royal business: they had posed in front of King George, the longest reigning monarch in history, to show the continuation and perseverance of the monarchy. In his words:
“The message, if one was needed, was clear: the business of monarchy never rests, even at times of great personal sorrow, and its enduring strength lies in its continuity.”
King Charles lll and Queen Consort, Camilla after their wedding ceremony, April 9, 2005 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
After touching on the glaring message, Kay pointed out that it also bore an undeniable connection to the Sussexes who had been present in the country when it was shot. He mentioned:
“There is a finality about this photo that suggests there is no way back for a couple who could have been at the epicentre of royalty, but are now at its margins.”
The Sussexes Shared Their Photo
Exactly forty-eight hours after the Palace released the official portrait of the royals, fans got to see a new release of snapshots showing the Sussexes too.
The images were shared by photographer Misan Harriman who took the shots as they prepared to attend the One Young World opening ceremony last month in Manchester, England.
In the shared post, Harry looked dapper in his suit and tie, while his wife complimented his appearance in stylish pants paired with a matching top.
They posed together, yet differently. While their hands remained intertwined, the couple’s faces bore unique expressions. Meghan opted for a serious look, but the Duke settled with a gay appearance.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Cardiff Wales 2018. | Source: Getty Images
More than once, the Sussexes have shown their unity, strength, and support by holding hands. For example, the couple held hands during their trip to the UK while participating in the Queen’s funeral processions.
Shortly after their images were released, some royal fans bashed the couple for sharing their shots in close proximity with the royals.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are seen on September 05, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
A royal expert, Angela Levin, did not mince her words when she took to Twitter to call out their behavior. In response to Richard Eden, who shared a sarcastic message about the Sussexes’ timing, she wrote:
“They are in competition with the real royal family.”
For now, there are only speculations that they are in competition with the royals; however, the most obvious thing is that either side is getting on with their businesses and not allowing the strained relationship to affect their devotion to work.
