As Prince Harry Faces Criticism, What Palace Insiders Are Saying

The contrast was impossible to miss. As rain swept across Windsor Castle’s quadrangle, the King, accompanied by Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, carried out a major State Visit arranged at the Government’s request.

The red carpet was dampened by the relentless seasonal drizzle, but the ceremonial spectacle remained dazzling. Smiles shone brightly, military uniforms blazed scarlet and the gilt carriages gleamed despite the weather.

Every detail was intended to make an impression on the visiting Sultan of Oman, a longstanding friend and ally of Britain who is also regarded as one of the world’s most private billionaires. The occasion featured State Coaches moving through Windsor, soldiers lining the route, a formal welcome involving hundreds of troops on foot and horseback, and coordinated gun salutes at Windsor and the Tower of London.

The royal women’s clothing was carefully chosen to reflect Oman’s national colours. Queen Camilla wore a crimson wool-crepe Fiona Clare dress with a matching Philip Treacy hat, complemented by rubies and diamonds, while Catherine, Princess of Wales, selected a forest-green Sarah Burton coat for Alexander McQueen with coordinated accessories, including a Juliette Botterill hat.

Yet while the royal family presented a united and dignified front, Prince Harry, the former working royal, was delivering another of what he described as his “truth bombs” — adding to a growing series of public comments about his family.

Appearing to direct a criticism towards his brother, Prince William, Harry referred to “sibling disagreements” — a notably mild description of the bitter and largely public exchange of accusations that has unfolded in recent years.

“Some people don’t want it to work out… I want it to work out,” Harry said, adding that, with so much happening in the world, reconciliation was the most important thing. Many listeners interpreted the remarks as an indirect criticism of the future king.

Given that the conflict between the brothers has become one of the few recurring themes in Harry’s public narrative, could the comments even have been intended as a calculated double bluff?

Possibly. Harry also argued that there was already “enough drama in the world and enough drama in people’s lives” without allowing family disputes to continue — an observation that critics may find difficult to separate from the highly publicised breakdown within his own family.

Whether Harry recognises the apparent contradiction remains unclear. The timing of the interview prompted anger from some observers, who questioned why the latest comments had emerged while the royal family was engaged in such an important diplomatic event.

The prince may simply have been unaware that the State Visit was taking place. Even if he knew, critics would argue, he appeared to have no reason to hold back — a detail that has fuelled further commentary about the distance between him and the Royal Family.

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It was also pointed out that Harry did not attend a full State Visit during his time as a working royal. His supporters, however, continue to object to the suggestion that he should no longer be described as both working and royal.

During 2019, Harry maintained a notably reserved presence around then-US President Donald Trump, attending only a private lunch at Buckingham Palace. Meghan, who was on maternity leave, did not take part; Trump had previously described her as “nasty”.

At the Palace, aides once again declined to comment on Harry’s latest remarks, which were released in the middle of the diplomatic programme. Any official reaction amounted to little more than a discreet acknowledgement of the awkward timing.

By now, such interruptions may be familiar to royal officials — and the day’s diplomatic duties demanded their attention. Looking polished and cheerful in a morning suit, the King welcomed the Sultan to inspect the Guard of Honour. The two national anthems followed before the party moved indoors for a private lunch.

Later, the Green Drawing Room hosted an exhibition of treasures from the Royal Collection. The room, a favourite of the late Queen because it overlooks the rose garden created by Prince Philip, provided an elegant setting for items celebrating the longstanding relationship between Britain and Oman.

The expanded royal party, joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, included two paintings created by King Charles during his 1995 visit to Oman. The display also featured a tiara presented to Queen Victoria by Oman’s then-ruler for her coronation.

The Sultan and his delegation appeared impressed by the presentation. For the courtiers involved, including the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, the occasion offered another carefully managed example of the Royal Family’s long-established role in Britain’s quiet, symbolic diplomacy.

But as a senior figure in royal circles said to me the other day after last week’s public appearance by the Sussexes (and yet another round of claims that all Harry wants is ‘peace’): ‘Does he really think everyone has collective amnesia after the last few years?’

And that’s the issue.

What Harry says is so very different from what he does.

Or as another source pithily put it: ‘If he really does want reconciliation, why doesn’t he just bloody shut up about it?’

Quite.