While Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have publicly stated
that stepping back from royal duties was a decision they made independently, recent insights from Princess Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, suggest a different narrative.
Burrell, who had been close to Princess Diana and maintains connections within royal circles, recently disclosed that behind the scenes,
the royal family allegedly implemented discreet measures that effectively shut down any clear path for Meghan and Harry to return to official royal roles.
According to Burrell, this approach was taken to create a certain finality, subtly preventing a return without openly severing ties.
Burrell’s revelation casts new light on the circumstances surrounding Meghan and Harry’s exit from royal life,
suggesting that the couple’s departure may not have been as straightforward as it appeared.
The public has mostly viewed “Megxit” as a personal choice for the couple, driven by their desire to step away from the scrutiny and constraints of royal life. However, if Burrell’s claims hold weight, it would indicate that the palace made calculated moves to ensure the couple would face significant challenges if they ever wanted to come back, whether those moves were prompted by a desire to preserve the monarchy’s image or prevent disruptions in the established hierarchy.
The reported actions of the royal family included what Burrell describes as “subtle institutional decisions” meant to solidify Harry and Meghan’s departure. One example he mentioned involves the removal of certain privileges traditionally granted to senior royals, such as the couple’s security detail, royal patronages, and charitable affiliations that had previously been maintained under the auspices of the Crown. Although the official reason given for these decisions was the couple’s new status as private individuals living outside the UK, Burrell suggests that these measures were intentionally implemented to ensure a clean and irreversible break.
According to Burrell, another element of this strategic distancing lies in the firm denial of future access to certain royal residences and ceremonial roles. This would make it logistically and symbolically challenging for Meghan and Harry to participate in royal duties on any regular basis, thus preventing them from maintaining the public association that could have allowed them a possible return. This aspect of royal protocol is rarely discussed openly, but Burrell claims it’s well understood within royal circles that such steps are often employed to create an unofficial boundary, which, while not explicitly stated, is respected as part of royal tradition.
This approach highlights the royal family’s well-known adherence to control and image, especially when it comes to high-profile members who are seen as challenging convention. Burrell explained that although the royal family was saddened by Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave, they are deeply invested in preserving a sense of continuity within the monarchy. In their view, the only way to protect the institution is to set clear boundaries, particularly for family members who may create instability by attempting to split time between royal and private lives. The lockdown on these privileges, Burrell hints, is part of the palace’s effort to make it clear that only full-time working royals can enjoy the complete benefits of the institution.
Burrell’s insights raise thought-provoking questions about the interplay of duty, tradition, and autonomy within the royal family. While Meghan and Harry have indicated that their decision to step back was purely personal, Burrell’s comments hint that the palace’s behind-the-scenes actions effectively pushed the couple away from the idea of a return. This revelation fuels ongoing discussions about the modern relevance of the monarchy and whether a more flexible approach could prevent such exits in the future.
As for the Sussexes, they’ve publicly maintained their desire to carve their own path, independent of the traditional roles expected of them. However, the idea that the royal family might have taken steps to discourage their return adds an element of complexity to the story. It suggests that, rather than leaving entirely by choice, Meghan and Harry may have faced a narrowing set of options, leading them to embrace a new, self-directed life in the United States.
Ultimately, these disclosures not only add a layer of intrigue to the Sussexes’ departure but also underscore the rigid boundaries that often govern life within the royal institution. It highlights the ways in which royal protocol is enforced subtly, through measures that set expectations and create limitations without necessarily overtly imposing restrictions. For those close to the palace, it may have been evident from the beginning that the couple’s departure was meant to be final, a path from which returning would be increasingly difficult.
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