A historian has drawn comparisons between Prince Harry and the late Edward VIII, saying the Duke of Sussex regrets stepping back from royal duties.
According to the author, Harry’s life bears a striking resemblance to that of Edward, who abdicated the throne in his quest to marry an American socialite.
Amidst the scrutiny, Meghan Markle She is said to be more in control of her public image while Prince Harry’s path remains uncertain as both continue to navigate life after leaving royal duties.
Royal historian says Prince Harry reflects Edward VIII’s regrets after leaving office
Meghan is often compared to American socialite Wallis Simpson, but royal historian Hugo Vickers says the real story is not about the women, but the men who chose them.
In her book “Behind Closed Doors,” Vickers explores the final years of the Duchess of Windsor, who died in 1986, and draws unexpected parallels between Edward, Duke of Windsor, and Prince Harry.
Talk to Fox News Digital, Vickers suggested that “the thing in common is that both husbands look rather unhappy” in the life they ultimately chose after distancing themselves from royal duty.
He pointed to images of Edward later in life depicting visible sadness, and claimed that Harry also often appeared overwhelmed and frustrated during public appearances. “In both cases, they decided not to fulfill the duty they were born to do,” he said.
He compared this to Queen Elizabeth II, who he said embodied duty and calmly accepted her role.
“When I give lectures from time to time, usually in schools, I show a photo of the Queen, our Queen Elizabeth II, with sparkling eyes at the age of 90, having done her duty and feeling the calm and even look, conscious of duty accomplished, as someone said,” he said. “Whereas the Duke of Windsor looked pathetic and he looked very sad. And Prince Harry also looks very, very sad most of the time and quite angry.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s post-royal lives compared to Edward VIII, as freedom brings new pressures
Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020, citing media pressure and a lack of institutional support.
Since moving to the United States, they have spoken openly about their experiences in interviews, documentaries and in Harry’s memoir “Spare,” further widening the divide with the royal family.
Vickers says Meghan is “much more in control of her destiny than Wallis”, using visibility and branding in a modern, media-driven way. Wallis, on the other hand, has largely stayed out of the spotlight, even in exile.
Other commentators note that although both couples sought independence from royal life, this freedom came with new pressures. Meghan has turned to building her influence and business ventures, while Harry’s path is seen as less stable, shaped by advocacy work and a continued connection to his royal past.
Royal commentator Helena Chard told the publication that Edward VIII and Harry ultimately wanted to step back from royal duties, with their partners playing a central role in the decision. She described their departures as a sort of escape, but not necessarily leading to lasting peace.
Prince Harry recently insisted he is still a ‘working king’
During a surprise visit to Ukraine on April 24, Harry was asked if he was no longer a working royal.
He responded that he still considered himself part of the royal family, adding that he simply continued to do work that he believed he was “born to do.”
That same month, Harry and Meghan also spent several days in Australia, a Commonwealth country where King Charles remains head of state, keeping in mind their ties to the wider royal sphere even after stepping back from official duties.
The Sussexes appear to be on conflicting paths, say royal experts
Commentators like Kinsey Schofield now say that, unlike her husband, Meghan’s trajectory seems “firmly rooted in monetizing her proximity to the monarchy”, through media and commercial projects.
They claim that Harry, on the other hand, is unsure of his role and long-term goals, particularly amid his strained relationship with the royal family as he embarks on pseudo-royal tours.
Noting this, royal historian Vickers argues that “the most successful members of the royal family are those who support the monarch without competing.”
He cited royals such as the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla as examples of this balance.
Prince Harry and Meghan face new marriage speculation as their 8th anniversary approaches
Meanwhile, despite repeatedly saying they want a more private life, Harry and Meghan continue to find themselves in the public conversation.
Recently, they have even been at the center of renewed speculation about their marriage as they approach their eighth anniversary, with Meghan seemingly projecting a strong image of unity.
Royal author Russell Myers, in “William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story,” suggests tensions could be emerging behind the scenes.
It highlights a possible conflict between Meghan’s efforts to rebuild her place in Hollywood and Harry’s enduring connection to royal life and identity.
“She knows, deep down, that Harry will never stop being royal and that their life together depends on her accepting that,” the source said[via[viaShe finds]. “After all his promises and plans for independence, this is a very difficult pill to swallow.”