Prince Harry remains one of the most polarizing figures in the royal conversation — inspiring fierce loyalty in some and frustration in others. In this post, I want to explore why he provokes such strong reactions, revisit how this rift with the royal family began, and see whether recent events suggest that public opinion may finally be softening.

To understand where we are today, we have to go back to early 2020, when Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back as senior royals. Their statement at the time read: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”

The “transition” that followed was dramatic: the couple relocated to Los Angeles, stepped away from their royal duties, relinquished their patronages, and agreed not to use their HRH titles. The Palace described the decision as “saddening” but stressed that the Sussexes would remain “much-loved members of the family.”

For many, the move was shocking — but what truly deepened the public divide were the couple’s subsequent interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir, in which they openly criticized the institution they left behind. Many royal watchers felt protective of the monarchy and viewed these revelations as a betrayal.

As Patricia, a reader, put it: “I think he is a very personable character and would be valuable to the royals. However, he has crossed the line with what he says and has written about the family. His words and accusations can never be forgotten. They will always haunt him.”

It’s true — once words are out there, they’re hard to take back. But it’s also worth viewing the situation through Harry and Meghan’s eyes. Before Meghan even married Harry, she was subjected to headlines that many felt had racial undertones — like the infamous Daily Mail “Straight Outta Compton” article. The constant media narrative pitting Meghan against Catherine reportedly took a toll on her mental health.

In their Netflix series, Harry & Meghan, the couple claimed that the stress of battling the press contributed to Meghan’s miscarriage. And Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey revealed that there had been “concerns and conversations about how dark Archie’s skin might be,” which understandably made the couple determined to protect their children.

Not everyone sees their actions as unjustified. Royal Clubber Ann defended Harry’s decision to leave, saying he was “protecting his family and wife, who was on the receiving end of some nasty comments.”

Still, Harry’s decision to break the royal tradition of “never complain, never explain” was a turning point. As Royal Clubber Geoffrey pointed out, the Palace would never publicly refute the Sussexes’ claims — meaning their side of the story became the dominant narrative.

Harry’s Point of No Return

The release of Harry’s memoir Spare felt like a line crossed for many royalists. Its portrayal of Prince William, King Charles, and other family members left the impression that reconciliation might no longer be possible.

Others, however, saw it as a necessary outlet. As Ann said:

“I think he wrote the book out of sheer frustration… maybe mistakenly. He obviously wants to reconcile. Isn’t that the right thing for everyone?”

Some argue Meghan should have been better prepared for royal life, while others suggest Harry could have done more to prepare her. But what’s clear is that the Sussexes have built a new life in Montecito — one that seems loving, happy, and far removed from the public pressures their UK relatives face. Their children enjoy a level of privacy that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis likely never will.

Royal Clubber Izzy reminded readers: “Please remember that they are not asking to come back. Harry is asking for a reconciliation with his family. They will never go back. They have a wonderful life [in the US] and that is why Meghan took him to her country so he could see how one can live here in California.”

A Chance for Forgiveness?

Perhaps now, more than four years after “Megxit,” the mood is shifting. During Harry’s latest UK visit, he was warmly received at public events, greeted with cheers, and made two significant donations to causes close to his heart — one through his foundation and another personally.

A spokesperson for the Duke confirmed that the trip had been meaningful: “He’s obviously loved being back in the UK, catching up with old friends, colleagues, and just generally being able to support the incredible work of the causes that mean so much to him.”

Yesterday’s poll asking whether you were pleased about Harry’s reunion with King Charles at Clarence House showed that 61% of you were. Perhaps, at last, there is a growing appetite for healing — on both sides.

While some will never forgive Harry for airing the royal family’s private matters, it’s clear that he is striving to make amends. And in a world where division and hostility are everywhere, maybe it’s time we all take a cue from Harry himself and lower the temperature of this debate.