Royal watchers might have seen Harry and Meghan’s extended visit to Canada as an outward sign of their intentions to step back from their royal duties. But behind the scenes, it likely painted quite another picture for fellow royals – one rife with possibility, and relief. At least that’s what Angela Levin, author and widely recognised expert familiar with Queen Elizabeth II and the British Crown, believes.
While some saw tension building up leading to this announcement about stepping back from “the firm,” Levin posits an intriguing take – William and Kate might have been relieved. Freed from the incessant scrutiny following Meghan’s whirlwind entry into Kensington Palace, they could finally carve a new path focusing on their work as “representatives” of Wales, establishing clear delineations. This trip likely felt like a domino rolling – paving the way for William and Kate to assert their separate ambitions within a changing royal landscape.
Levin isn’t just spouting uninformed opinions – she emphasizes Harry’s deep admiration for William while still acknowledging recent strains caused by differing beliefs on monarchy roles and expectations. Perhaps with time away providing reflection, there’s hope that William welcomes the chance for a more positive relationship based on common goals, unfettered by public conflict surrounding his brother’s new life direction.
Additionally, the quiet transition allowed the future heirs to continue their royal tasks without constantly battling negative narratives spurred on by international headlines. A temporary truce allowing them to focus on rebuilding trust among the public was certainly a silver lining in this undeniably confusing period for the Windsors. Harry and Meghan’s absence could have provided William and Kate, not just freedom from stress but also room to redefine their roles without direct comparison – an advantage for establishing clear priorities within a modernized Monarchy.
While speculating on internal monologs of real high-profiles isn’t guaranteed “fact,” Levin offers insightful observations grounded in her historical knowledge and expert perspective. It suggests that Harry and Meghan’s ‘California escape’ might also resonate as a calculated opportunity for other royals to chart their own individual course, paving the way for further adaptation within the 21st century crown.