DRUGS HYPOCRISY and varying recollections

If there was ever any doubt over whether Meghan and Harry could return to royal life, the events of the past few weeks have surely put paid to that, writes Emily Andrews

- Emily Andrews

The Duke of Sussex’s livestreamed interview in which he told how using illegal drugs ‘really helped’ him deal with mental health issues sparked a backlash from campaigners and doctors alike, while the loss of the Sussexes’ British home, Frogmore Cottage, underlined their eviction from The Firm.

Over the past couple of months, if not years, it has seemed as if Harry and Meghan have held all the cards.

Hurling accusation after accusation of their perceived mistreatment, be it through the screen of their Netflix documentary, pages of Spare or publicity interviews, the Royal Family have had little option but to stay silent.

Recollections may have varied, but Harry and Meghan have used all their various media platforms not only to malign the institution, but the family members within it.

‘Wicked stepmother’ Camilla, cold and unfeeling Kate, arrogant and hot-tempered William and emotionally inept Charles.

Even their announcement that yes, they had received an invitation to the coronation, but no, they were not going to divulge whether they were going or not, just perpetuated what seemed like an endless cycle of drama.

So Charles’ power play – to evict the Sussexes from Frogmore Cottage, despite them having paid a number of years’ rent upfront – signalled that enough was enough.

The monarch was sending a clear message – you are welcome as a visitor to the UK, but you are no longer any part of royal proceedings here.

And how can Harry represent The Firm or be any sort of royal role model when he openly admits to having taken drugs?