Just hours after touching down in the United States, King Charles III is already facing fresh criticism, with some commentators accusing him of hypocrisy over his family’s treatment of Meghan Markle.
The backlash centers on comparisons between the King’s past relationship with Queen Camilla, once deemed unsuitable by royal standards, and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Prince Harry’s marriage to Markle. For critics, the contrast highlights what they see as a long-standing double standard within the monarchy.
King Charles Hit With Meghan-Camilla ‘Double Standard’ Claims
An online post is drawing fresh attention to what critics see as a double standard involving King Charles and his son, Prince Harry.
The post argues that when Charles was unable to marry Camilla and instead wed Princess Diana, it was widely framed as “the tragedy of two lovers who weren’t allowed to be together,” with blame placed on the monarchy’s rigid expectations.
By contrast, the same sentiment claims Harry’s marriage to Markle has been met with far less sympathy, despite him choosing a partner “who supports him and values him for who he is.”
The comparison goes further, suggesting that while Charles was once viewed as a victim of circumstance, Harry is now facing pressure “to do something he doesn’t want,” a pointed reference to ongoing calls for the Duke to separate from Markle.
Fans Split Over King Charles ‘Hypocrisy’ Claims
Reactions in the comment section were divided, with some users agreeing that Charles’ past highlights a double standard within the monarchy.
“The royal family is unfair by its very nature,” one person wrote. “It’d be a long night if we brought up all the ways it is unfair.”
Others, however, pushed back on the idea that the King’s situation mirrors Harry’s, arguing that Charles also faced significant resistance in his relationship with Camilla.
“He had to wait for his grandmother to die to even have a possibility of marrying Camilla, and his mother refused to attend the wedding,” another user noted.
Harry Recalls The King Bonding With Meghan Pre-Wedding
Despite claims of tension, Harry has previously suggested that Charles was initially warm toward Markle. In his memoir “Spare,” the Duke recalled introducing her to his father ahead of their 2018 wedding, including a discussion about music for the ceremony.
According to Harry, the pair quickly connected over their shared love of classical music, with Charles even backing their preference for an orchestra over a traditional organ. The moment appeared to leave a lasting impression on the former British Army man.
“Meg evoked so much in him, qualities I’d rarely seen. In her presence, Pa became boyish. I saw it, saw the bond between them growing stronger, and I felt strengthened in my own bond with him,” Harry wrote, per HELLO Magazine.
Prince William Raised ‘Concerns’ Over Harry-Meghan Marriage
While Charles is said to have been initially warm toward Markle, Prince William reportedly had early reservations about the relationship. Harry shared during a televised interview promoting “Spare” that his brother voiced “concerns” ahead of the wedding.
“He never tried to dissuade me from marrying Meghan,” Harry said in a sit-down with ITV journalist Tom Bradby. “But he aired some concerns, and said, ‘This is going to be really hard for you.’”
Harry added that he still doesn’t fully understand what William meant at the time, suggesting it may have been tied to the intense scrutiny the couple would later face from the British press.
King Charles And Harry’s Rift Deepened After Royal Exit
In the years following Harry’s wedding, his relationship with the King has become increasingly strained.
Much of the tension stems from the Duke and Markle’s high-profile disclosures, including their interview with Oprah Winfrey, their Netflix documentary, and Harry’s memoir “Spare.” Their decision to step back as senior royals and relocate to California further widened the divide.
Still, there have been tentative signs of a thaw. Harry has publicly expressed a desire to reconnect with his father, and the pair even held a private meeting in September last year. He has also indicated he hopes to spend more time in the U.K., even hinting at future visits with his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.