The contrast could hardly have been more pronounced. In the rain-soaked quadrangle of Windsor Castle, the King, accompanied by Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, carried out a high-profile State Visit arranged at the Government’s request.
The red carpet was dampened by the persistent seasonal drizzle, but the ceremony itself remained bright and polished. Smiles were wide, uniforms a vivid vermilion and the gilding on the carriages gleaming despite the grey skies.
Every detail was intended to impress the visiting Sultan of Oman, a longstanding friend and ally of the United Kingdom who is also described as one of the world’s “most discreet billionaires”. The spectacle included a procession of State Coaches through Windsor’s military-lined streets, a ceremonial welcome in the castle quadrangle involving hundreds of soldiers on foot and horseback, and simultaneous gun salutes at Windsor and the Tower of London.
Even the royal ladies’ clothing was chosen to reflect the colours of the Omani flag. Queen Camilla wore a crimson wool crepe dress by Fiona Clare with a matching Philip Treacy hat, complemented by rubies and diamonds. Catherine, meanwhile, selected a forest-green Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen coat with coordinated accessories, including headwear by Juliette Botterill.
Yet as the royal pomp unfolded, Prince Harry, the former working royal, was delivering another of what he calls his “truth bombs” — remarks that critics increasingly view as part of a familiar, one-sided narrative of grievance.
Appearing to take another swipe at his brother, Prince William, Harry referred to their “sibling disagreements” — a notably restrained description of the highly publicised attacks and accusations that have dominated the brothers’ relationship in recent years.
Prince Harry, the former working royal, delivered another of his “truth bombs” as the State Visit took place
The Prince and Princess of Wales took part in the high-profile State Visit at the Government’s request
“Some people don’t want it to work out… I want it to work out… with everything else that is going on in the world, the most important thing is to reconcile,” Harry said with a sigh. Many interpreted the comments as a pointed reference to the future king.
Given that the rift between the brothers has become one of Harry’s most prominent public themes, could the remarks themselves be an elaborate double-bluff?
Perhaps. “There’s enough drama in the world and enough drama in people’s lives than to continue with issues with family,” Harry added, speaking about the family breakdown that he has helped bring into the public arena and continues to discuss with notable regularity.
Whether he recognises the irony remains unclear. Critics were quick to question the timing of the interview, arguing that Harry could hardly have been unaware of the State Visit and suggesting that he had chosen to speak regardless.
The more likely explanation is that the prince may not have known the State Visit was taking place — and, even if he did, may not have considered it a reason to hold back. That, in itself, is revealing.
It is also worth recalling, as one observer pointed out, that Harry never attended a full State Visit while he was a working royal. His supporters, however, insist that it is patronising to deny him that description now, given their argument that he remains both a working figure and a member of the Royal Family.
In 2019, he maintained a visibly awkward distance from US President Donald Trump during a private lunch at Buckingham Palace. Meghan, whom Trump had previously described as “nasty”, avoided the occasion while on maternity leave.
At the Palace, aides once again declined to comment on Harry’s latest intervention. Their response amounted to little more than a raised eyebrow at the fact that the remarks had emerged in the middle of the Oman State Visit.
They have, after all, grown accustomed to such interruptions — and had more immediate diplomatic priorities. Looking smart and cheerful in a morning suit, the King invited the Sultan to inspect the Guard of Honour before the two national anthems were played. He then escorted his guest inside for a private lunch.
Later, the elegant Green Drawing Room — a favourite of the late Queen because of its view over the castle’s rose garden, designed by Prince Philip — hosted a display of priceless objects from the Royal Collection. The exhibits were selected to showcase the longstanding and cordial relationship between Britain and Oman, one of the UK’s closest allies in the Arabian Peninsula.
The expanded royal party, which included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, also viewed two paintings by Charles from his 1995 visit to Oman. The display featured a tiara presented by Oman’s then-ruler to Queen Victoria for her coronation.
The Sultan and his delegation appeared thoroughly impressed. For the courtiers involved, including the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, the occasion offered another demonstration of the Royal Family’s longstanding ability to advance Britain’s interests through the quiet influence of royal diplomacy.
But as a senior figure in royal circles said to me the other day after last week’s public appearance by the Sussexes (and yet another round of claims that all Harry wants is ‘peace’): ‘Does he really think everyone has collective amnesia after the last few years?’
And that’s the issue.
What Harry says is so very different from what he does.
Or as another source pithily put it: ‘If he really does want reconciliation, why doesn’t he just bloody shut up about it?’
Quite.
