Prince Harry’s recent solo visit to Angola, meant to mirror Princess Diana’s historic landmine walk, has failed to win back public favor or pave a path to royal reconciliation.
Hoping to remind the world of his mother’s legacy, the Duke of Sussex ventured back to the minefields where Diana once made global headlines for her humanitarian bravery. But this time, the spotlight flickered, and the message fell flat.
Royal expert Robert Jobson did not mince words when speaking to The Sun. He revealed that Harry’s efforts to reconnect with the public and the monarchy have largely missed the mark.
While Prince Harry walked through active minefields and met with the Halo Trust, much like his mother did in 1997, the world seemed far less captivated. The media coverage was modest, and public reaction lukewarm at best.
According to Jobson, Harry’s return to Angola was more than just a tribute. It was a calculated attempt to soften his image and perhaps encourage his royal family to look at him differently. But it appears to have had the opposite effect.
The expert noted that Princess Diana’s visit to Angola had a lasting global impact because it came from a place of true selflessness. In contrast, Harry’s visit was viewed by many as a public relations move.
“It was a big deal then,” Jobson remarked. “It wasn’t a big deal this time around. So he’s not got the same draw that he had.” The emotional weight once attached to Diana’s footsteps simply did not carry over to her son.
Jobson argued that Harry’s public appeal has significantly diminished due to his controversial choices in recent years. He cited the ongoing monetisation of royal drama, including the explosive memoir Spare, as a major factor.
Unlike Diana, who authorized a biography that she never profited from, Harry made millions from revealing family secrets. The move has left a sour taste in the mouths of many once-loyal supporters.
“He made a fortune out of it,” Jobson said. “She didn’t monetise it for herself.” That difference, he believes, is what now separates Harry from his late mother in the public’s eyes.
Read More: Meghan Markle’s Cold Response to Kate Middleton’s Cancer Revelation Raises Eyebrow
While Prince Harry is reportedly seeking forgiveness, the road ahead appears to be filled with obstacles. Jobson believes that King Charles might eventually find it in his heart to forgive his younger son, but others in the family may not be so willing.
Camilla, the Queen Consort, and Prince William have reportedly drawn firm lines in the sand. Sources say they are still deeply hurt by Harry’s words and actions, and reconciliation with them may remain out of reach.
Harry’s ongoing rift with William continues to dominate headlines. The brothers have not been seen together in public for a long time, and private communications are said to be virtually nonexistent.
In stark contrast to Harry’s efforts, Prince William has been focused on raising his children with Kate Middleton and advocating for environmental causes through initiatives like The Earthshot Prize.
As the future king, William has been careful not to engage with the drama surrounding Harry and Meghan Markle. And with Kate’s health recovery recently in focus, the royal family appears to be circling the wagons.
While Harry’s trip to Angola was a heartfelt nod to his mother’s legacy, the context surrounding it has changed. His actions are no longer viewed in isolation but through the lens of years of tension and tell-all interviews.
Public sympathy may still exist for the prince who walked behind his mother’s coffin as a child. But for many, that sympathy has eroded under the weight of media deals and Netflix documentaries.
Whether Prince Harry can ever regain public trust or rejoin the royal fold remains uncertain. But one thing is clear. Following in Diana’s footsteps was not enough this time.
