Sources have claimed that relations between Prince Harry and the Royal Family are at “near rock bottom” as he intends to snub this year's Christmas invite. It comes after fresh details emerged of his explosive memoir, which is due to be released on January 10.
Last month, the Duke of Sussex and his wife, Meghan Markle, made a return to Britain during the mourning period of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The insiders said that there was hope that this would be a “thawing of relations” between the Sussexes and other members of the family.
But, as reported by the Mirror, Harry and Meghan have "no plans" to join the Royal Family for their first Christmas without the Queen. King Charles has reportedly invited them to spend the holiday with the family at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Prince Harry's memoir is titled Spare, in reference to him growing up in the shadow of the heir Prince William. The book has already sent shockwaves through the royals, say the sources.
One insider said the royals were this week “completely caught by surprise” with the title of the book and further details of how Harry would deliver “raw, unflinching honesty”. The Duke is set to delve into the most controversial elements of his royal life.
One source added: “This book could spell the end for any relationship Harry wants to have with his family, it’s desperately sad. Everyone is bracing themselves for yet another fraught and frantic period at the mercy of the Sussexes.”
In an interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey last year, Harry, 38, and Meghan claimed a senior royal made a racist comment about the skin colour of their then unborn son Archie. Harry also discussed the “genetic pain” of his childhood and troubled relationship with his father and brother.
A key part of his life is the break-up of his parents’ marriage and the death of his mother Diana in a Paris car crash in 1997. It was highlighted in a promotion by publisher Penguin Random House, adding: “For Harry, this is his story at last.” He is being paid more than £36million for a three-book deal, securing a £20million advance.
It is understood there has been little contact between Harry and his family since he returned to California. But it is believed he talked to his father after the Queen’s death about the possibility of titles of prince and princess for his children Archie, three, and Lilibet, one.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace said the King will take over an honorary military role stripped from Harry. The monarch will become the Royal Marines’ next Captain General, a position removed by the Queen after the duke moved to the US.
It had been speculated the title would go to Princess Anne. In a message to the Royal Marines as they marked their 358th anniversary yesterday, the King said: “It is the greatest possible pleasure to assume the role of your Captain General.”
The Mirror has asked the private office for the Duke of Sussex and Buckingham Palace for comment.
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