Prince Harry's UK Return May Fuel Future Royal Tensions, Paul Burrell Asserts
When Prince Harry returns to the UK for King Charles' Coronation, he may be "gathering anecdotes for his next assault on his family," according to Paul Burrell, Princess Diana's former butler. The Duke of Sussex will attend the historic event without Meghan Markle, who will stay in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Burrell, 64, believes Harry will face significant challenges when he must "kiss the hand of Queen Camilla" after the fallout from his revealing memoir, Spare. The book portrays Camilla as a "villain" and "dangerous," and expresses Harry's mixed emotions about gaining a step-parent whom he believed had "sacrificed [him] on her personal PR altar."
"Harry is keeping the door open and preserving his unique selling point by being Royal. That's what the Americans love, the fact they're Royal," Burrell said in a recent interview. He added, "Harry will have to face his family, the ones he has criticized. He will even have to bow and kiss the hand of Queen Camilla, and that's going to be a very tough pill to swallow."
Speaking to GB News, Burrell further suggested that Harry's upcoming visit to the UK could fuel tensions: "He will also be gathering anecdotes for his next assault on his family."
King Charles' Coronation falls on Archie's birthday, and a close friend of Meghan indicated that this played a significant role in her decision to remain in California. However, Burrell believes that Meghan would have chosen not to attend the event even if it weren't her son's birthday.
"The decision is exactly what I thought would happen," he said. "I personally did not want to watch the Harry and Meghan show at the King's Coronation, I want to watch the King's Coronation."
Burrell also suggested that Meghan's security could be at risk if she were to attend, as she might be booed or face even worse reactions. He called the excuse of not attending due to Archie's birthday "pathetic," noting that Lilibet spent her first birthday at Frogmore Cottage.
The couple's announcement finally puts an end to months of speculation about their attendance at the Coronation. In a statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed, "The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet."