Meghan Markle & Prince Harry are furious with King Charles 'secret' plans for Prince Williams
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have expressed their frustration and disappointment over King Charles's 'secret' plans for Prince William's future role in the monarchy, according to sources close to the couple.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are living in California after stepping back as senior royals last year, are said to feel 'left out' and 'ignored' by the King's decision to prepare Prince William for his eventual succession, without consulting or involving them.
King Charles, who is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, is reportedly making arrangements for Prince William to take on more responsibilities and duties as the heir to the throne, in case he decides to abdicate or becomes incapacitated.
However, these plans are being kept 'highly secret' from Prince Harry, who is sixth in line to the throne, and his wife Meghan, who have been critical of the royal family and the institution of the monarchy in several interviews and projects.
A royal insider told BBC News: "Harry and Meghan are finding it hard to hear that the King is making these plans without reaching out to them or asking for their input. They feel that they are still part of the royal family and have a lot to offer, but they are being sidelined and excluded."
The source added: "They are not going to kick up a fuss or make a public statement, but they are hurt and angry. They think that the King is favouring William over Harry, and that he is not respecting their decision to live a different life."
The source also said that Harry and Meghan have not spoken to Prince William or his wife Kate Middleton for months, and that there is still 'a lot of tension and resentment' between the brothers.
"They have very different views and visions for the future of the monarchy and their roles in it. Harry and Meghan want to modernise and democratise the institution, while William and Kate want to preserve and protect the tradition and legacy. They don't see eye to eye on anything," the source said.
Royal experts have said that King Charles's succession plans are understandable and sensible, given his age and health condition, and that he is not obliged to consult or inform anyone outside his immediate family.
"King Charles is doing what any responsible monarch would do, which is to prepare his heir for the day when he will have to take over. He is not trying to exclude or offend anyone, but he is acting in the best interest of the monarchy and the nation," royal biographer Robert Hardman said.
Hardman also said that King Charles is unlikely to intervene or mediate in the rift between his sons, as he respects their autonomy and does not want to interfere in their personal matters.
"King Charles loves both his sons and wants them to be happy. But he also realizes that they are grown men who have to make their own decisions and deal with the consequences. He hopes that they will eventually find a way to heal their wounds and restore their bond, but he is not going to force them to do anything they don't want to do," Hardman said.
