In a stunning announcement, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has banned Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, from his palace.
This decision comes amidst growing concerns within the royal family about the couple’s pursuit of a Hollywood lifestyle.
Renowned royal author Tom Quinn spoke to the Daily Express and revealed that Queen Elizabeth never supported Harry and Meghan’s desire to be part-time royals.
He emphasized that both King Charles and Prince William are adamant about upholding the late Queen’s firm belief that one cannot be a part-time royal.
According to Quinn, the couple’s recent association with Hollywood actors Chris Evans and Alba Baptista only reinforced the royal family’s stance against their return.
“You can’t hobnob with celebrities in America for six months and then come back here and pick and choose which events you want to be part of.
It’s untenable,” Quinn stated.
He further added, “I don’t think Charles and William will agree to that simply because Elizabeth hated the idea.”
Lady C, a royal commentator, also shed light on the international perspective, revealing that non-European royals are astounded by the situation and how it has been allowed to persist.
She expressed that these royals have sympathy for the British royal family but would have intervened sooner.
Lady C also mentioned that European royal families hold disdain for Meghan and feel empathy towards Charles, Camilla, William, and Catherine.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Lady C shared, “I know one royal family was worried about Harry’s behavior and how it could lead to great tragedy.”
She further pointed out that last year, when Meghan and Harry visited the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander refused to receive them, denying them any royal privileges.
This incident serves as a clear indication of the European royal families’ sentiment towards the couple.
Typically, when royalty visits other countries, the host country’s royal family accommodates them by providing rooms within their palaces and receiving them personally.
However, during the Sussexes’ recent attendance at the Invictus Games in The Hague 2022, the Netherlands royal family made it clear that they would not be granted an audience with King Willem-Alexander or provided accommodation in the royal palace.
Instead, Dutch police might offer them VIP status.
As a result, Meghan and Harry may have to rely on their own security team during the event, marking Meghan’s first trip to Europe since stepping down as senior working royals over two years ago.
It is understood that they will have to spend the night at a hotel in The Hague, as the Dutch royal family has confirmed that no olive branch will be extended to them.
Despite these developments, King Willem-Alexander did meet with Prince Harry during the Invictus Games.
The Duke of Sussex welcomed the Dutch monarch, along with Maart de Kruif, chairman of the Invictus Games 2020 The Hague, upon his arrival.
Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Prince Pieter Christiaan were also present at the wheelchair basketball final on April 22nd.
The ban imposed by the Dutch king, coupled with the sentiments expressed by Lady C, underscores the growing isolation of Meghan and Harry from both European and non-European royal circles.
It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact their future interactions with the royal family and their pursuit of a Hollywood lifestyle.