Tensions within the British royal family remain palpable as King Charles III made a powerful public tribute to Prince William at a Windsor Castle state banquet, pointedly omitting any mention of Prince Harry.
The King’s Speech and the Focus on William
The stage was set at Windsor Castle as King Charles welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, for a historic state banquet. The event, the first of its kind hosted by Charles since his accession to the throne, was notable for more than international diplomacy—it became a platform for royal family commentary.
In his speech, King Charles drew a direct line between the Duke of Normandy—who initiated the castle’s construction in 1070—and his own son, Prince William, who now resides at Windsor with his family. The tribute was warm and personal, celebrating William’s choice to make Windsor his home, just as many royal ancestors had before him. The historical parallel was deliberate, framing Prince William as both a continuation of royal tradition and a central figure in the family’s future.
The Absence: Prince Harry’s Continued Estrangement
While the King’s words painted a glowing picture of Prince William and his role within the royal family, the absence of any mention of Prince Harry was stark. Observers and royal watchers immediately noted the omission, which took place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions following Harry’s departure from royal duties and his public critiques of the monarchy.
The decision to honor William publicly, while ignoring Harry, reinforced perceptions of a deepening rift. The gesture was seen as a firm indication of where the King’s—and the institution’s—priorities lie, spotlighting the gap between the heir to the throne and his younger brother.
The Aftermath and Public Reaction
In the hours following the banquet, discussions about the royal family’s internal dynamics dominated social media and news outlets. Many interpreted the King’s tribute as a deliberate snub to Prince Harry, whose relationship with his family has been fraught since he and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the United States.
For supporters of the Sussexes, the omission was another sign of exclusion. Meanwhile, those aligned with the institutional monarchy saw it as a reaffirmation of Prince William’s central role in the future of the Crown. The state banquet not only honored Franco-British friendship but also underscored the ongoing narrative of division within the House of Windsor—a story that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.