Brothers Address Rumours of Conflict Amid Royal Departure Announcement
On January 10, 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle declared their decision to step back from their roles as senior royals, marking a significant moment in their royal journey. This announcement came less than two years after their high-profile wedding, prompting a swift response from the royal family.
Just days later, on January 13, the royal family convened an emergency meeting, known as the 'Sandringham Summit,' which included the Queen, then-Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry. Prior to these critical talks, William and Harry released a joint statement in an effort to address and refute claims of a strained relationship.
The statement challenged "false" reports suggesting that Harry and Meghan had been "pushed out" and "bullied" by William. It read: "Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful."
Despite this show of unity, tensions surfaced again when Harry later disputed the statement. In his Netflix series, Harry & Meghan, he revealed his discontent with the public statement, explaining that he had not authorised it. Harry expressed his disappointment, stating, "I mean, the saddest part of it was this wedge created between me and my brother so that he's now on the institution's side."
He further elaborated, "After the meeting, I learned about a joint statement that had been issued without my consent. I was stunned. I told Meghan, and she was devastated, as it seemed they were willing to lie to protect my brother while refusing to support us."
