In a surprising turn of events during their recent trip to Nigeria, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose not to sing the UK’s national anthem at a charity event.
This decision raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about their current standing within the royal family.
The couple was present at the event when “God Save the King,” a tribute to Harry’s father, King Charles, played.
Instead of joining in, they stood quietly, seemingly amused, gazing straight ahead without uttering a word.
This moment didn’t go unnoticed.
Paul Burrell, who once served as Princess Diana‘s butler, shared his thoughts on the incident during an appearance on GB News.
He highlighted the couple’s silence during the anthem, calling it a rather embarrassing situation—not just for them, but for the entire nation.
Burrell questioned why Harry and Meghan would present themselves as a royal couple on such a prominent stage while distancing themselves from their royal duties.
It’s a perplexing situation that leaves many wondering about their intentions.
Burrell also suggested that King Charles should address his son’s behavior in such public settings, especially in a Commonwealth country.
He pointed out that the national anthem should not have been played at this event since it wasn’t an official royal visit.
His comments raise an important question: why was the anthem played at all?
Burrell expressed confusion over the Foreign Office’s handling of the Sussexes, emphasizing that they no longer represent the monarchy or the Commonwealth.
According to Burrell, the Foreign Office needs to ensure that Commonwealth representatives are aware that this was not a royal visit.
He argued that the playing of the national anthem was inappropriate in this context.
His skepticism extended to whether Meghan even knows the words to the anthem, while he felt confident that Harry does.
Their choice not to sing, however, continues to baffle observers.
Adding to the discourse, royal expert Tina Brown labeled the Sussexes’ actions a “clown show,” suggesting that their antics have put the monarchy in a precarious position.
Speaking on Times Radio, she asserted that the future of the monarchy is tenuous, with Catherine, the Princess of Wales, emerging as its saving grace.
With Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties, Brown believes the Waleses are now the face of the royal family.
King Charles is reportedly grappling with how to manage the situation.
He is considering measures to prevent Harry and Meghan from making any further unofficial visits to Commonwealth countries.
Royal expert Tom Quinn elaborated on this dilemma, noting that while the King would like to strip the couple of their royal titles, he fears such actions could be perceived as vindictive.
Quinn emphasized that halting Harry and Meghan’s future trips has become a top priority for Charles.
The King is faced with the challenge of maintaining royal dignity while managing the public perception of the Sussexes.
There’s a lingering fear that Meghan’s rebellious nature may inadvertently enhance her appeal compared to the more reserved members of the royal family.
The dynamics between the Sussexes and the remaining royals continue to evolve, raising questions about their future roles.
As Harry and Meghan navigate their new lives away from royal duties, their actions resonate widely, prompting discussions about the relevance of tradition versus modernity within the monarchy.
With every public appearance, the couple seems to challenge the norms that have long defined royal conduct.
Their refusal to engage with the national anthem during such a significant moment only adds fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding their relationship with the monarchy.
What does this mean for their future engagements?