The late Queen Elizabeth's firm rejection of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's proposal for a "part-time royal" status has drawn criticism for its perceived severity.
Royal expert Jennie Bond, speaking to Times Radio, asserts that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were justified in seeking privacy and financial independence within the royal framework, especially considering the current health crisis within the royal family.
Bond suggests that finding a middle ground could have been advantageous, allowing the couple to balance their desires for privacy with their royal duties. However, the late Queen's unwavering stance left them with little room for negotiation, ultimately leading to the Megxit announcement in 2020.
"I've always held the view that the late Queen and the Palace were quite harsh when they put down this red line 'you can't be half-in, half-out'," Bond states.
She acknowledges the challenges faced by Harry and Meghan in balancing their desire for financial independence with their royal obligations, recognizing the inherent conflicts of interest that arise from commercial endeavors.
Bond suggests that the Palace's swift dismissal of their proposal may have been premature, given the complexities involved in navigating modern royal roles.
"While I think they were a bit hasty, the Palace, in saying 'absolutely no'," Bond concludes, expressing a sentiment of missed opportunities for compromise and understanding.
In reflecting on Harry and Meghan's treatment by the late Queen and the royal establishment, Bond's remarks evoke a sense of sympathy for the couple's desire for autonomy and privacy amidst the rigidity of traditional royal protocols.
