Royal expert Sarah Hewson provided insights into the roles Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could have played if they had remained part of the royal family. Hewson, a broadcaster and royal correspondent, appeared on The Sun's "Royal Exclusive" and highlighted how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might have taken on more prominent roles within the monarchy.
"We're told Meghan didn't like playing second fiddle well, they wouldn't have been playing second fiddle right now would they?" Hewson remarked. She emphasized that Harry and Meghan could have been "front and center" in the royal spotlight, making significant contributions. "He and Meghan both actually could have made such a difference," Hewson added.
Hewson pointed out Prince Harry's ability to connect with people, a trait that would have been invaluable in their royal duties. "When Harry spoke, people listened," she continued. "And when Harry wanted something done, it was done. You saw that in Lesotho with Sentebale, the pride he got from something he started as a gap year project, which then became a lasting legacy making a difference to a generation of young people."
The royal correspondent also noted that the royal family is currently "thin on the ground" due to health issues faced by senior members. King Charles and Kate Middleton are both undergoing cancer treatment, limiting their ability to take on royal duties. Middleton, who has been battling cancer, said she was "making progress" but acknowledged having "good days and bad days." She has been absent for months following an abdominal surgery in January and has made only two public appearances this year.
In addition to Middleton's health struggles, Princess Anne also faced a health scare last month, spending five days in the hospital after suffering a concussion from a horse-riding accident. These health issues have further strained the royal family's capacity to fulfill their responsibilities.
The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from royal duties in 2020, often referred to as "Megxit," has been a topic of much discussion and controversy. Harry has publicly criticized the term "Megxit," calling it misogynistic. "Maybe people know this and maybe they don't, but the term Megxit was or is a misogynistic term, and it was created by a troll, amplified by royal correspondents, and it grew and grew into mainstream media," Harry said during a panel called the Internet Lie Machine in November 2021.
The decision to leave the royal family was driven by a desire for independence and a break from the intense media scrutiny. However, according to Hewson, the Sussexes' departure also meant that they missed out on opportunities to play pivotal roles during a time when their presence could have been highly beneficial to the monarchy.
Hewson's remarks shed light on what might have been had Harry and Meghan stayed. "They would have been front and center and they could have played such a key role and I think it's really, really sad to see just how things have changed," she said.