Prince Harry appeared perplexed as Meghan Markle took charge during their recent “faux royal tour” of Colombia, leading to questions about royal protocol and the dynamics between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The couple’s four-day visit, which was at the invitation of Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez, saw Meghan stepping into the spotlight, prompting former royal butler Grant Harrold to weigh in on the unusual dynamic.
“It was interesting to see Meghan take the lead, which has obviously led to lots of people questioning why this is when he is the one who technically should be,” Harrold said on behalf of Slingo. “He is a gentleman and clearly likes to see his wife taking the lead and giving her that opportunity.”
Harrold, who served the royal family from 2004 to 2011, noted that while Harry appeared supportive, there were moments where he seemed puzzled by the shift in roles. “There were a couple of moments where he looked a bit perplexed, and a bit puzzled,” Harrold observed. “I don’t know if that was to do with this, as royal protocol is quite strict.”
Royal protocol traditionally dictates that male royals take the lead in public engagements unless they are accompanying a reigning queen. Harrold likened the situation to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, where the Duke of Edinburgh often took a step back, allowing the Queen to lead. “With William and Catherine, it’s much more 50/50, and the same with Meghan, but there are some questions to be raised now that she seems to have taken more of a lead here,” he added.
Harrold’s comments reflect broader speculation about Harry’s reaction to Meghan’s prominent role during the tour. “Maybe he’s feeling he should be the one taking the lead here, but she does tend to take a step back when they do things together,” Harrold continued. “This may have been arranged and pre-planned, but I would have thought Harry would have been taking the lead slightly more.”
The Colombia tour, which began on August 15, was an opportunity for the couple to promote “The Parent’s Network,” a global initiative that aims to support parents whose children have been adversely affected by social media. According to the couple’s website, the network seeks to provide crucial resources for families dealing with issues ranging from near-fatal harm to ongoing mental health challenges.
As the tour progressed, Meghan reportedly wasted no time in “running the show,” a role she embraced from the outset. Influential lip reader Nicola Hickling noted a telling moment when Meghan discreetly asked Harry for his “hand,” to which he readily complied, further fueling discussions about the couple’s public dynamic.
While the tour aimed to raise awareness for a noble cause, the spotlight on Meghan’s leadership and Harry’s response has sparked conversation about their evolving roles within and beyond the royal family.
