Princess Delphine defends Duke of Sussex, calling him 'traumatised' and a victim of public bullying
As speculation continues over Prince Harry’s secret reconciliation efforts with King Charles III, the Duke of Sussex has received an unexpected show of support — this time from outside the British royal family.
Princess Delphine of Belgium, speaking on the It’s Reigning Men podcast, voiced sympathy for Harry, describing him as “traumatised” and unfairly targeted by critics. “I feel sorry for him,” she said. “Everybody’s bullying him, and nobody seems to be thinking about his trauma.”
Delphine, who herself fought a high-profile legal battle to be recognised as the daughter of Belgium’s former King Albert II, explained that she has followed Harry’s life since childhood. “I think Harry suffered so much,” she noted. “It’s coming out now.”
The Belgian royal drew a direct connection between Harry’s legal fight for UK security and the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana. “This thing about security — I think it’s to do with what happened to his mother,” she said, suggesting that Harry’s actions stem from a deeply rooted fear and unresolved grief.
Delphine added, “I understand the guy. He’s just traumatised... and I just find it terrible because he’s just been kind of left.”
Her remarks come at a sensitive time for the British royal family, as Harry and King Charles reportedly explore a private path toward peace. The Duke’s ongoing concerns over safety in the UK — particularly for his wife and children — have remained central to his public commentary since stepping back from royal duties.
Princess Delphine’s comments carry added weight given her own complicated history with monarchy. Born from a long-term extramarital affair between her mother and King Albert II, she spent years fighting for recognition. In 2020, after a court-ordered DNA test, she was officially granted the title of Princess and the style of Her Royal Highness, though she remains excluded from the Belgian line of succession — something she says “still isn’t right.”
While her support may not influence palace decisions, Delphine’s heartfelt words have offered Harry something else: a rare moment of public empathy from a fellow royal who knows what it means to feel left behind.
