Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could fill ‘vacuum’ amid Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla's public absence
LONDON, ENGLAND: Royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop has suggested that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are "waiting in the wings” to fill a perceived void in the Royal Family’s public image after Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla remained absent from several public appearances.
By blending their “showbiz gloss” with philanthropy, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly present a unique opportunity to fill what Dunlop describes as a “vacuum at the top” of the monarchy’s public engagement.
Monarchy's 'fairytale glamour' fades while Sussexes shine with 'showbiz-gloss'
Tessa Dunlop also argued that the monarchy risks losing public engagement without the magnetic pull of “fairytale glamour.”
She pointed to Prince William's documentary, 'Prince William: We Can End Homelessness', as an example of an earnest effort that might fall flat without a sprinkle of enchantment.
“The public will tolerate a bit of charitable hectoring but only if accompanied with a large dollop of fairytale glamour,” she said.
The historian recalled the dazzling 'No Time to Die Bond' premiere in 2021, where Queen Camilla and Middleton, draped in designer sequins, epitomized royal elegance.
“That fabulous No Time to Die Bond premiere when Camilla and Kate waltzed out in a haze of designer sequins felt like a world away,” she remarked.
While the monarchy leans heavily on charitable endeavors, Dunlop warned of a “vacuum at the top,” one that could be filled by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Despite stepping back as senior royals, the couple remains “instinctively glamorous,” combining their star power with impactful initiatives.
"Instinctively glamorous with bundles of razzmatazz, the Californian couple have an effortless knack for combining showbiz-gloss and public do-gooding," Dr Dunlop told the Mirror.
“There is a vacuum at the top and the problem with vacuums is that they invite all sorts of unwanted intruders. The royal machine has clearly decided that they can compensate for a depleted public presence with relentless philanthropy on ITV,” Dunlop observed in the outlet.
Royal historian observes lack of 'glitzy gimmicks' in the Royal family
Dr Tessa Dunlop’s observations came after King Charles III stepped out solo for the star-studded 'Gladiator 2' premiere on November 13, with Queen Camilla absent due to a chest infection.
According to BBC, Queen Camilla returned to public duties on November 12 before missing the premier as well as Remembrance Day.
While the King received praise for his “handsome” appearance and mingling with A-listers, Dunlop noted something missing: “There was no retro glamour, no tinsel, no tiaras.”
On the other hand, Kate Middleton has been largely absent from public life since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
The Daily Beast had reported in May that the Princess of Wales would probably “not appear in public for the rest of the year." However, Kate Middleton joined Prince William at Remembrance Day events on November 9 and 10, less than a year after her cancer diagnosis put her appearances on hold.
In October, she also met the bereaved families of three young girls who were murdered at a dance class in northwest England.
In Dunlop’s view, the Royal Family’s hesitance to embrace “glitzy gimmicks” could be a misstep.
“The Royal Family might think they are above such glitzy gimmicks. That would be a mistake. After all, waiting in the wings are ex-royals the Duke and Duchess of Sussex," she added.
