Prince Harry’s counter-intuitive approach to royal reconciliation
sir – With the Harry & Meghan series on Netflix, and the publication today of the Duke of Sussex’s autobiography,
Spare, it beggars belief that the Duke felt the need to give television interviews as well (report, January 9). It’s as if he is determined to prod the Royal family with damaging claims until he gets some sort of reaction.
There may be things that he has every right to be angry with his father and brother about. But if you really want to “reconcile” with loved ones after a bad falling-out, is it wise to lambast them in public? Whether what you say is right or wrong, it won’t help the situation – as anyone with an inch of common sense would recognise.
Emilie Mcrae
Trowbridge, Wiltshire
sir – I saw some of Prince Harry’s television interview, and still don’t know what he wants. Does anybody? Christopher Hunt
Swanley, Kent
sir – I will admit to suffering a bias – unconscious or otherwise – against privileged people who think and speak of virtually nothing but themselves, their sufferings (real or imagined) and the shortcomings of others.
Adrian Thornton
Shackleford, Surrey
sir – I would like to express gratitude for what Harry and Meghan achieved during their brief career as members of the Royal family.
Their wedding was fun, moving and ground-breaking. The Invictus Games, created by Harry, have proved to be a morale-boosting showcase for disabled veterans to demonstrate courage and resilience. The presence of a mixedrace duchess exposed racist attitudes in the media, the establishment and the general population that have at last begun to be addressed. The support for vulnerable groups such as the Grenfell Tower fire victims has resulted in increased awareness and fundraising. And absurd allegations, such as the claim that Harry “harmed” the health of the late Queen Elizabeth (who herself pointed out the impact of the Covid she suffered) before she died aged 96, have exposed the ruthlessness of so-called “sources” – who, as Harry revealed, targeted him and his wife.
Well done, Harry and Meghan, for showing us who we are. Our best hope is that we learn lessons from the sad loss of your talents and potential.
Dame Esther Rantzen
Lyndhurst, Hampshire
sir – I found myself empathising with Harry during his ITV interview. As a student at Alsager College of Education in 1967, I was ordered to shave off my beard before first teaching practice or risk being sent down.
I reluctantly complied; but Granada News ran an item about the dispute. It included famous people with beards – among them Harry’s forebear George V. The principal’s argument was that we would scare the children, but I was more scared of the six-year-olds than they ever were of me.
Richard Ferley Great Harwood, Lancashire