A historian has drawn comparisons between Prince Harry and the late Edward VIII, claiming the Duke of Sussex regrets stepping back from his royal duties.
According to the author, Harry’s life bears a striking resemblance to Edward, who abdicated the throne in his quest to marry an American socialite.
Amid the scrutiny, Meghan Markle is said to be more in control of her public image while Prince Harry’s path remains uncertain, as both continue navigating life after quitting their royal roles.
Royal Historian Claims Prince Harry Mirrors Edward VIII’s Regret After Walking Away from Duty
Meghan is often compared to American socialite, Wallis Simpson, but royal historian Hugo Vickers argues the real story isn’t about the women, it’s about the men who chose them.
In his 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.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Vickers suggested that the “one thing in common is that the two husbands both look pretty miserable” in the lives they ultimately chose after stepping away from royal duty.
He pointed to images of Edward in later life, describing a visible sadness, and claimed Harry also often appears burdened and frustrated in public appearances. “In both cases, they decided not to do the duty which they had been born to undertake,” he said.
He contrasted that with Queen Elizabeth II, who he said embodied duty and calm acceptance of her role.
“When I give talks occasionally, usually at schools, I show a picture of the queen, our Queen Elizabeth II, with sparkling eyes at the age of 90, having done her duty and feeling the calm, level gaze, conscious of duty fulfilled, as somebody put it,” 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 rather angry.”
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Post-Royal Life Compared To Edward VIII, As Freedom Brings New Pressures
Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020, citing media pressure and lack of institutional support.
Since relocating to the U.S., they’ve spoken openly about their experiences in interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir “Spare,” further widening the gap with the royal family.
Vickers argues that Meghan is “much more in control of her destiny than Wallis was,” using visibility and branding in a modern, media-driven way. Wallis, by contrast, stayed largely out of the spotlight, even in exile.
Other commentators note that while both couples sought independence from royal life, that freedom came with new pressures. Meghan has leaned into influence-building and commercial ventures, while Harry’s path is seen as less settled, shaped by advocacy work and an ongoing connection to his royal past.
Royal commentator Helena Chard told the publication that both Edward VIII and Harry ultimately wanted out of royal duty, with their partners playing central roles in that decision. She described their departures as a kind of escape route, though not necessarily one that led to lasting peace.
Prince Harry Recently Insisted That He’s Still A ‘Working Royal’
During a surprise visit to Ukraine on April 24, Harry was asked about no longer being a working royal.
He responded that he still considers himself part of the royal family, adding that he is simply continuing to do work he believes he was “born to do.”
That same month, Harry and Meghan also spent several days in Australia, a Commonwealth nation where King Charles remains head of state, keeping their ties to the broader royal sphere in view even after stepping back from official duties.
The Sussexes Seem To Be On Conflicting Paths, Royal Experts Claim
Commentators like Kinsey Schofield now argue that, unlike her husband, Meghan’s trajectory seems “firmly anchored in monetizing her proximity to the monarchy,” through media and commercial projects.
They claim that Harry, on the other hand, is unsure of his long-term role and goals, especially amid his continued strained relationship with the royal family while embarking on pseudo-royal tours.
Noting this, royal historian Vickers maintains that “the most successful members of the royal family are those who support the monarch without competing.”
He cited major senior royals such as the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess of Wales, and Queen Camilla as examples of that balance.
Prince Harry And Meghan Face Renewed Marriage Speculation As Their 8th Anniversary Nears
Meanwhile, despite repeatedly stating they want a more private life, Harry and Meghan continue to find themselves in the public conversation.
Recently, they’ve even been at the center of renewed speculation about their marriage ahead of their eighth anniversary, with Meghan reportedly projecting a strong image of unity.
Royal author Russell Myers, in “William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story,” suggests that tension may be emerging behind the scenes.
He points to a possible clash between Meghan’s push to rebuild her footing in Hollywood and Harry’s lingering connection to royal life and identity.
“She knows, deep down, that Harry will never stop being a royal and that their life together is contingent on her accepting that,” said the source [via SheFinds]. “After all his promises and plans for independence, it’s a very tough pill to swallow.”