Hugo Vickers Compares Prince Harry to Edward VIII
Prince Harry has been compared to Edward VIII by royal historian Mr Hugo Vickers, who said the Duke of Sussex often appears “very, very sad” since stepping back from working royal life. The comments come as Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, continue to pursue their public work and commercial projects while remaining estranged from parts of the Royal Family.
Speaking while promoting his book “Behind Closed Doors”, Fox News reported that Mr Vickers said both men “decided not to do the duty which they had been born to undertake,” arguing that photographs of the Duke of Windsor in old age showed “such sad eyes” and that Prince Harry similarly looks unhappy and angry much of the time.
Mr Vickers drew the parallel while discussing the late Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, and the lasting consequences of Edward’s 1936 abdication to marry her. He contrasted the Duke of Windsor’s demeanour with that of Queen Elizabeth II in later life, suggesting that a sense of duty fulfilled was visible in her expression.
In the interview, Mr Vickers also suggested Meghan has been “much more in control of her destiny” than Wallis, and claimed the Duchess of Sussex uses her title and name for marketing, while he theorised that Prince Harry fears losing her. The discussion echoes earlier Britpop News reporting on Prince Harry discussing therapy amid claims he’s “more unhappy than ever”.
The remarks add to ongoing debate about how Prince Harry’s decision to leave senior royal duties has reshaped his public role, and whether reconciliation with his family remains possible as the Duke continues overseas engagements and long-term projects outside the institution.
