It looks like Prince Harry has more support in the U.K. than people think. Most of the royal family insiders aren’t willing to publicly share their opinions, but a former rugby player — and pal of the Duke of Sussex — James Haskell, is admitting that things at the palace aren’t always so rosy.
What makes Haskell’s tea spill so intriguing is that he is also the co-host of The Good, the Bad & the Rugby podcast with Alex Payne and Mike Tindall. Yes, that Mike Tindall, husband of Zara Tindall, Prince Harry and Prince William’s cousin. He’s probably getting hot gossip from his broadcast colleague, who is not known for his discretion. That’s why Haskell’s words resonate deeper than anonymous sources from the internet about the royal family.
“Some aren’t as great as others,” he shared with The Times. “They do amazing work — but they’re also a modern family that’s very dysfunctional.” The retired athlete is calling it as he sees it and he’s had an inside view of their lives. “I went to Harry and Meghan’s wedding,” Haskell added as a confirmation that he knows what he’s talking about. “I went to Mike and Zara’s wedding.”
Still, don’t call him an anti-monarchist because he’s firmly in the palace’s corner. “To those who want to get rid of the monarchy — once they’re gone, they’re gone,” he said. “There’s no way back from that, so remember that they serve an important role. I love what they do.” While Haskell didn’t call out any particular family member for being not as “great as others,” his words come on the heels of King Charles III and William’s brewing feud.
The father and son have vastly different views of how to lead as king. Charles is the monarch, but the Prince of Wales is already paving the path for his future reign. It’s resulted in a reported battle of egos and calendars between their two offices.
“William is very stubborn and private. He keeps his movements and calendar away from Charles’ team to such an extent that he won’t listen to anyone or take guidance from [his father] or his team,” an Us Weekly source shared. “He keeps things very locked down and separate.”
Charles and William’s differences are overshadowing the rift with Harry that has plagued them for five years. So when Haskell speaks up about the palace’s dysfunction, it feels more credible because he’s likely heard more stories about the royal family’s disagreements than the public will ever be privy to.
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