Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to Nigeria has been branded a ‘mini Royal tour’ – but a leading Royal expert claims that this would not have ‘pleased’ King Charles or William

Prince William has hit a significant milestone this week by venturing the furthest from his family since his wife Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis, to fulfil two days of Royal duties.

And top Royal commentator has claimed his move is an encouraging indicator, hinting that the Princess of Wales is “feeling stronger every day”. Meanwhile, Harry and King Charles are eager to clear up confusion surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s recent visit to Nigeria. Despite the couple stepping down from their Royal duties in 2020, their trip has been described as a ‘mini Royal tour’ – much to the reputed displeasure of King Charles and Prince William.

Former BBC Royal journalist, Jennie Bond, informed OK!: “The King and Prince William are firmly of the belief that you are either in or out of the working Royals. This seems to be a rather strange halfway house. I think both the King and the Prince, and indeed the Government, will want it to be made clear that Harry is not representing either the Royal Family or Britain on this trip.”

Jennie also touched upon how Prince William seems more comfortable with Kate Middleton’s progress in her battle against cancer, suggesting some of the Princess’s actions indicated she is “feeling stronger every day”. For instance, the Prince embarked on his furthest journey from his family since the announcement of Princess Kate’s health condition, fulfilling official duties for two days.

The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in Cornwall, speaks to school children during a visit to St Mary’s Harbour, the maritime gateway to the Isles of Scilly (Image: Getty)

According to the prominent Royal expert, this forthright move points towards an encouraging sign that Kate is “feeling stronger every day”.

Prince William has been busy championing the cause of homelessness during his visit to the Duchy of Cornwall, making stops at the Nansledan Estate. His Royal engagements also included a meet-up with hospital staff on the Isles of Scilly and a spontaneous volleyball match with young lifeguards on Fistral Beach.

William and Kate in during their visit to SportsAid at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day in October 2023 in Marlow, England (Image: WireImage)

The Prince of Wales gave an update on the Princess of Wales and his children (Image: Getty)

Royal commentator Jennie weighed in on William’s two-night Cornish sojourn, saying: “It’s great news that William feels relaxed enough to stay away for a night. I’ve no doubt that Catherine’s parents will be staying with her, but even so it must be a step in the right direction. Hopefully Catherine is feeling stronger every day and, with the sun now shining, she’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors which, for her, has always been restorative.”

While mingling with the locals, William shared an update about the Princess of Wales, revealing: “She’s doing well, thanks,” and went on to share: “The children are very jealous that I am here… Maybe we might come later in the year.”

The timing of Prince William’s Cornwall trip was notable as it overlapped with Prince Harry’s UK return for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, followed by his trip to Nigeria with Meghan Markle. Despite rampant rumours, Harry did not engage with any Royal family members during his time in the UK, including his father, King Charles.

Royal commentator Jennie weighed in on the ongoing tension between the Royal siblings, stating: “I think we have to give up hope that the rift between the brothers will be healed at any time in the near future, or indeed ever.”

She further added: “William’s head and heart must be bursting with all that he has on his plate right now: his wife’s cancer treatment, his father’s illness, his children growing up fast, the pressure for him to take on more royal duties, the prospect of becoming King earlier than he might ever have wanted.”

Jennie is of the opinion that handling ‘the Harry situation’ is likely too overwhelming for William currently. She expressed: “Dealing with ‘the Harry problem’ is probably just one step too far for William. I believe he has moved on with his life and has, to all intents and purposes, disowned the brother to whom he was once so close.”