King Charles 'fears being overshadowed' by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
King Charles is reportedly fearful of being 'overshadowed' by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, insiders have claimed.
The monarch's son and daughter-in-law are said to be considering further "quasi-royal" tours, potentially to Lesotho or Botswana, as they are said to be pleased with how their tours have gone. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be so delighted with the response to their charm offensive in Colombia that they reportedly anticipate becoming a more influential force than the Royal Family itself.
Insiders from the Sussex camp, quoted by Woman magazine, said: "The Palace is mindful of what happened when Princess Diana left royal life and instantly eclipsed the institution. They claim the King is fearful of a repeat of the past, with Harry and Meghan overshadowing his work and becoming global superstars."
Prince Harry's next solo venture will be a trip to New York City later this month, coinciding with The UN General Assembly's High-Level Week and Climate Week. His team stated that the visit would "advance a number of [the Prince's] patronages and philanthropic initiatives".
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A source revealed to Hello! Magazine that Prince Harry believes he can make the most significant impact through his various diplomatic initiatives: "That's his world, that's what he's used to and that's what he knows. He can still add value," reports the Express.
The host countries typically cover the security costs for Harry and Meghan's international trips. Their visit to Colombia reportedly cost the economically challenged country around eight billion pesos (£1.5million), according to local media.
The potential return of Prince Harry to the UK is being hindered by a financial standoff over the Sussexes' security, according to Woman Magazine. The report suggests that Prince Harry's persistent discussions about his ongoing security battle have frustrated the King to the point where he no longer accepts his son's phone calls.
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Sources close to Prince Harry claim that the King has stopped communicating with his younger son. "He gets 'unavailable right now' and his calls go unanswered," revealed one friend. Despite this, Harry remains determined to challenge the Home office decision, warning that it would only take "one lone actor" to pose a threat to his wife or children.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told the Daily Mail that the King recognises his son's stubbornness. She said: "It's damaging to his father. It's embarrassing to his father on a more personal level, to think that his own son doesn't feel safe in the country in his own homeland."
She added: "He doesn't let things go, Harry. That's his nature, a bit like his mum. It's very Diana to pursue something and Harry is just not letting go in spite of advice to the contrary. I do feel that this is certainly not helping any situation."
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for a comment.