A historian has drawn comparisons between Prince Harry and the late Edward VIII, claiming the Duke of Sussex regrets stepping back from his royal duties.
In line with the creator, Harry’s life bears a striking resemblance to Edward, who abdicated the throne in his quest to marry an American socialite.
Amid the scrutiny, Meghan Markle is alleged to be more in command of her public image while Prince Harry’s path stays uncertain, as each proceed navigating life after quitting their royal roles.
Royal Historian Claims Prince Harry Mirrors Edward VIII’s Regret After Walking Away from Duty
Meghan is usually in comparison with American socialite, Wallis Simpson, but royal historian Hugo Vickers argues the actual story isn’t concerning the women, it’s concerning the men who selected them.
In his book “Behind Closed Doors,” Vickers explores the ultimate years of the Duchess of Windsor, who died in 1986, and draws unexpected parallels between Edward, Duke of Windsor, and Prince Harry.
Chatting with Fox News Digital, Vickers suggested that the “one thing in common is that the 2 husbands each look pretty miserable” within the lives they ultimately selected after stepping away from royal duty.
He pointed to photographs of Edward in later life, describing a visual sadness, and claimed Harry also often appears burdened and frustrated in public appearances. “In each cases, they decided to not do the duty which they’d been born to undertake,” he said.
He contrasted that with Queen Elizabeth II, who he said embodied duty and calm acceptance of her role.
“After I give talks occasionally, normally at schools, I show an image of the queen, our Queen Elizabeth II, with sparkling eyes on the age of 90, having done her duty and feeling the calm, level gaze, conscious of duty fulfilled, as someone put it,” he said. “Whereas the Duke of Windsor looked pathetic, and he looked very sad. And Prince Harry also looks very, very sad more often than not and somewhat offended.”
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Post-Royal Life Compared To Edward VIII, As Freedom Brings Latest Pressures
Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020, citing media pressure and lack of institutional support.
Since relocating to the U.S., they’ve spoken openly about their experiences in interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir “Spare,” further widening the gap with the royal family.
Vickers argues that Meghan is “rather more in command of her destiny than Wallis was,” using visibility and branding in a contemporary, media-driven way. Wallis, against this, stayed largely out of the highlight, even in exile.
Other commentators note that while each couples sought independence from royal life, that freedom got here with recent pressures. Meghan has leaned into influence-building and business ventures, while Harry’s path is seen as less settled, shaped by advocacy work and an ongoing connection to his royal past.
Royal commentator Helena Chard told the publication that each Edward VIII and Harry ultimately wanted out of royal duty, with their partners playing central roles in that call. She described their departures as a form of escape route, though not necessarily one which led to lasting peace.
Prince Harry Recently Insisted That He’s Still A ‘Working Royal’
During a surprise visit to Ukraine on April 24, Harry was asked about not being a working royal.
He responded that he still considers himself a part of the royal family, adding that he is solely continuing to do work he believes he was “born to do.”
That very same month, Harry and Meghan also spent several days in Australia, a Commonwealth nation where King Charles stays head of state, keeping their ties to the broader royal sphere in view even after stepping back from official duties.
The Sussexes Seem To Be On Conflicting Paths, Royal Experts Claim
Commentators like Kinsey Schofield now argue that, unlike her husband, Meghan’s trajectory seems “firmly anchored in monetizing her proximity to the monarchy,” through media and business projects.
They claim that Harry, however, is unsure of his long-term role and goals, especially amid his continued strained relationship with the royal family while embarking on pseudo-royal tours.
Noting this, royal historian Vickers maintains that “essentially the most successful members of the royal family are those that support the monarch without competing.”
He cited major senior royals reminiscent of the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess of Wales, and Queen Camilla as examples of that balance.
Prince Harry And Meghan Face Renewed Marriage Speculation As Their eighth Anniversary Nears
Meanwhile, despite repeatedly stating they need a more private life, Harry and Meghan proceed to search out themselves in the general public conversation.
Recently, they’ve even been at the middle of renewed speculation about their marriage ahead of their eighth anniversary, with Meghan reportedly projecting a powerful image of unity.
Royal creator Russell Myers, in “William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s Latest Era: The Inside Story,” suggests that tension could also be emerging behind the scenes.
He points to a possible clash between Meghan’s push to rebuild her footing in Hollywood and Harry’s lingering connection to royal life and identity.
“She knows, deep down, that Harry won’t ever stop being a royal and that their life together is contingent on her accepting that,” said the source [via SheFinds]. “In spite of everything his guarantees and plans for independence, it’s a really tough pill to swallow.”