Prince Harry has landed himself in hot water after making a surprise visit to the Burma Star Memorial on VJ Day, with royal insiders branding it a “cynical PR stunt”.
The Duke of Sussex laid a wreath and handwritten note in honor of the “Forgotten Army” who served in the Pacific during World War II and also paid tribute to his grandfather, Prince Philip.
Harry’s visit came shortly after the official 80th anniversary ceremony led by King Charles and Queen Camilla, which Harry did not attend.
talking to online radar, Royal sources said the timing of Meghan Markle’s husband’s appearance, along with the presence of photographers, seemed like a deliberate move to attract attention.
“Harry’s move was no accident,” they said, adding, “arriving after the King had left made it seem respectful on the surface, but the timing, the note and the perfectly staged photographs made it obvious that this was a public relations move.”
“People at the palace were furious. It was supposed to be the King’s moment of remembrance, but Harry managed to refocus the attention on himself,” the source added.
“If this wasn’t a PR stunt, Harry could have left the note quiet and walked away. But the fact that it was captured and shared so clearly tells you everything you need to know,” they continued.
A palace source claimed Harry’s appearance “caught everyone by surprise”, adding: “No one had Harry on their agenda.”
“The event had been planned for months, with the King and Camilla front and center. For Harry to appear afterwards, conveniently with cameras waiting, felt very deliberate and carefully orchestrated.”
