Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have maintained an uncharacteristic silence since the Duke of Sussex secured a landmark legal victory against British tabloid publishers. While the couple is often quick to make headlines, their conspicuous absence from public discourse has sparked widespread speculation.
Royal commentators, including Kinsey Schofield, Lady Colin Campbell, and Richard Fitzwilliams, have previously noted that the Sussexes rarely miss an opportunity to overshadow royal family events. However, this time, neither Prince Harry nor Meghan has issued a statement through their official Sussex website, nor has the Duchess shared anything on social media since early January.
The silence follows Harry’s legal settlement with Rupert Murdoch’s The Sun, in which the publication issued an unprecedented apology for its “serious intrusion” into his private life between 1996 and 2011. The victory marked a significant milestone in the Duke’s long-running battle against media exploitation.
Despite the gravity of the moment, the only acknowledgment from Harry came via Hello! Magazine, where he shared a video message encouraging public participation in the upcoming WellChild Awards—a charity he has passionately supported for years. This indirect mode of communication was an unusual departure from the Sussexes’ typical strategy, where official announcements are first published on their website before being disseminated by major news outlets.
Speculation is mounting over the reasons behind this radio silence. Some royal observers suggest that their official website may be restricted by legal constraints, possibly linked to copyright issues or confidentiality agreements. Others believe the Duke’s ongoing lawsuit against the UK Home Office regarding his security detail might be influencing his public stance.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman has highlighted the delicate nature of this lawsuit, remarking that “the King’s son is suing the King’s ministers in the King’s courts,” a situation that could create legal complications for the monarchy. Harry’s apparent restraint could be a strategic decision to avoid further controversy while the case remains unresolved.
Meanwhile, across the royal fold, King Charles and Princess Kate made their first joint appearance of the year, with Buckingham Palace announcing that Kate had been appointed as patron of the Children’s Hospice in Wales, a role previously held by the King himself.
With major developments unfolding within the monarchy, royal watchers are left wondering whether the Sussexes will seize the moment to break their silence—or remain mysteriously absent from the conversation.