I'm a royal expert and I didn't think Harry could surprise me again, I was wrong
Since Prince Harry quit royal life in 2020 with his wife Meghan Markle by his side, he has made a number of decisions that have left me surprised. From the Oprah interview in 2021, the Netflix docuseries in 2022, and his memoir in 2023, I thought there was not much more the prince could do to shock me.However, I was wrong. While Harry has attended many different events since quitting royal life, including red carpets with his wife, baseball games and award ceremonies, I did not think a political conference would ever be on the agenda. Why?Firstly, he is no politician. And secondly, while he is not a working royal anymore, surely sharing any political views will worry his royal relatives, who have to be as politically neutral as possible - especially his father King Charles.Surely they will be confused and apprehensive about what Harry is going to say at a conference where politics is the underlying theme?And secondly, surely it feels odd that Harry is speaking at an event that people can only enter if they pay a high price?What makes it worse is that the duke’s presence at the event is almost used as a selling point, with the website saying “meet Prince Harry, in person!” above the register button. Do they know he isn’t some famous pop icon, but an actual duke?Of course, I am very aware of the fact that Harry is not a working royal anymore, and has not been for five years. I also know that over these last five years, he hasn’t been shy to air some political views in America, the place he now calls home.However, for Harry to attend as a speaker at a political conference where people will be paying hundreds to listen to his opinions… it isn’t very royal at all. It could also firmly shut the door on any future return to royal life - if the door wasn’t already slammed shut years ago.
