Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Expected to Honour Tradition for King Charles Ahead of Key Visit
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be expected to follow an old royal tradition as they settle into their reported new chapter in Britain, particularly with King Charles preparing for an important overseas engagement.
The discussion comes as Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles and Queen Camilla will undertake an autumn tour of the Caribbean and Guyana, with the announcement coming shortly after Harry and Meghan reportedly arrived back in the UK.
The timing has prompted speculation about how the Sussexes will conduct themselves while the senior royals are carrying out their official duties abroad, particularly given the attention surrounding the couple’s return to Britain.
Some have suggested that the autumn tour was deliberately planned in a way that would allow the working royals to maintain focus on their official responsibilities rather than becoming caught up in ongoing family speculation.
There have already been concerns that Harry and Meghan could potentially overshadow the work of other members of the royal family, especially as the working royals have reportedly been rebuilding momentum following a series of setbacks.
Despite the Sussexes maintaining that they have no interest in returning as working royals, royal expert Jennie Bond suggested that the couple could still be expected to observe certain conventions when the King and Queen are undertaking important official duties.
“The announcement of the Autumn tour reinforces the fact that the royal road show will roll on regardless, ignoring all the surrounding noise,” Bond told The Mirror.
The royal commentator then urged Harry and Meghan to respect a longstanding tradition by keeping their public profile low while Charles and Camilla are abroad representing the monarchy.
“Hopefully Harry and Meghan will honour the tradition of keeping a low profile while the King and Queen are carrying out their duties in the Caribbean and Guyana,” Bond said.
Bond highlighted the importance of the royal visit, particularly because it will include Commonwealth-related engagements and the meeting of Commonwealth leaders, known as CHOGM.
“It is an important visit, and CHOGM, the meeting of the Commonwealth leaders, is an example of how different cultures can find common ground,” she explained.
The expert also appeared to draw a subtle comparison between the Commonwealth’s efforts to find common ground and the strained relationship within the royal family, suggesting that perhaps the royals could eventually find a similar way forward.
However, Bond identified the possibility of the Sussexes attracting attention as one of the biggest challenges facing the working royals, particularly if Harry and Meghan make major announcements or appearances at the same time.
She described the “very real prospect of their work being overshadowed by anything the Sussexes do” as a significant distraction for the royal family.
The potential for competing headlines could become even more sensitive with the Invictus Games also taking place, meaning communication and careful scheduling could be important to prevent any major clashes. It is therefore understood that discussions could take place in advance so that the Sussexes’ activities do not inadvertently compete with the King and Queen’s official programme.
