Stripping Prince Harry, Meghan of titles discussed at 'highest level …
Stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles was discussed at "the highest level" -- as senior royal aides also joked about Harry being held hostage by his American wife, a bombshell new book claims. The secret talks were revealed in "Our King: Charles III," the explosive new book by veteran correspondent Robert Jobson -- after senior palace officials felt Harry, 38, "turned his back" on his family following his and Markle's dramatic exit from royal life in 2020, according to the Daily Mail, which received an advance copy of the book slated to be released Thursday. However, Charles was reportedly not in favor of stripping his son and daughter-in-law of their titles, the book said.
A palace insider also told Jobson that many initially joked that the rogue royal was a victim of "Stockholm syndrome," a condition where hostages develop positive feelings toward their captors or abusers over time. "There was a point when officials joked Harry was the victim of Stockholm syndrome, and he was Meghan's hostage, but now most just feel Harry has turned his back on everything he has known," the insider said, according to the Daily Mail.
Prince Harry's relationship with his father and brother has been strained since his marriage to actress Meghan Markle.ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Meanwhile, the tension between Harry and the royal family reached new heights after the Duke of Sussex released his own bombshell tell-all "Spare" in January. "The fact is that Charles is deeply saddened by the widening gulf between him and his youngest son, and wishes he could see more of the Sussexes' two children," an excerpt from Jobson's book reads, according to the Daily Mail.
"Without doubt, Harry's stream of complaints have threatened to upset the harmony of the new reign. Each TV interview to promote his autobiography has made the chances of healing the rift with his father seem less likely," it continued.
King Charles III is reportedly not in favor of stripping Harry and Meghan of their royal titles.AP
It remains to be seen if Charles, Prince William and Harry can make amends before the King's coronation day on May 6. "Ultimately, despite Charles' enduring love for his son, he will come under increasing pressure if Harry continues to attack the monarchy," Jobson wrote.
"At that point, the King would have two options: put up with the spreading stain on his reign, or take action to limit its scope."
Robert Jobson's "Our King" will be out on Thursday.Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
As the rift with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex grows, the royal family appears to be making reparations with other relatives who have been on the outs.
Since ascending to the throne after Queen Elizabeth II's death in September, King Charles has brought Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson -- whom Prince Philip reportedly could not stand -- back into the picture, inviting her to the family's Christmas lunch last year.