No Place for a “Halfway House”
Vickers emphasized that Harry and Meghan chose long ago to step away and continue their independent path in America. The monarchy, he said, has made it clear that working royals must be “totally committed.”
“There is no middle ground for Harry to occupy,” he explained, adding that the late Queen’s stance on the matter still guides the King. “Allowing Harry a halfway house of royal duties would go against her wishes. The monarch has to uphold the traditions of the crown, do what is best for the monarchy, and what is best for this country.”
According to Vickers, it would not be fair on taxpayers, other royals, or the King himself if Harry were allowed to resume partial duties. “You can’t do both. It just doesn’t work. Simple as that.”
The King’s Firm Stance
The expert praised Charles for protecting his mother’s legacy by ruling out any compromise on Harry’s role. “To completely deny Harry this halfway house of potentially doing royal engagement, it’s a good thing. It’s a good step from the King.”
Although Harry is expected to continue his charity work in Britain – something he has long been committed to – it will likely be in a private capacity rather than as a representative of the monarchy.
“Harry will still continue to do these charity events,” Vickers said, but stressed that the royal family has “categorically laid down, from day one” that he cannot be both a royal and a private figure pursuing independent ventures in the US.
