Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, took the opportunity at a recent Buckingham Palace reception to express his views on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, whom he referred to disdainfully as 'wonderboy and wondergirl.' This comment came as he criticized their decision to relocate to America, positing it as detrimental to the strength of the royal family. The event, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, saw over 300 new MPs and members of the House of Lords invited to engage with the royal family.
At the reception, held for newly elected officials on January 29, 2025, Farage did not interact with King Charles or Queen Camilla, citing prior meetings and allowing other MPs to take the spotlight. He explained, 'Also, if I see him, I know some of the exchanges will be interesting because we have disagreed in the past over a few things,' referring to previous discussions he had with the King. Despite their disagreements, Farage expressed through laughter, 'We've had a laugh about it ever since. It's not nasty.'
Farage's dismissal of the Sussexes was emphasized when he remarked, 'Wonderboy and wondergirl disappear off to America... so they are doing a lot of the heavy lifting, and I think doing it very well,' addressing the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's increased royal duties during challenging times for the monarchy. He recognized their efforts, noting, 'They are charming, they do a lot of heavy lifting because there’s one or two gaps out there. It’s been difficult few years.'
The reception marked not only the warm welcome of more than 335 new MPs, but also highlighted King Charles's growing rapport with the parliamentary members. Attendees praised the King's engagement, with various politicians noting his extensive knowledge of their constituencies. The King was seen interacting with the Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling and his guide dog, Jennie, engaging warmly over the dog's knowledge of the household.
Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, who was also present at the event, engaged with Farage, who complimented him on the royal family's hard work amid recent challenges. 'You are working jolly hard,' Farage commented, highlighting the royal family's effort to maintain stability within the monarchy during tumultuous periods, including the Queen's passing and King Charles's health issues.
Guests included prominent political figures such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch. The atmosphere appeared cordial, with King Charles maintaining conversations with various constituencies, showing genuine interest and humor. For example, he laughed when discussing local delicacies, saying, 'Is the food there not too bad?' when referring to the MP for Torbay's favorite sausage spot.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, dressed elegantly and engaging with many MPs, also made headlines during the reception when she spoke warmly to Farage and Richard Tice, Reform UK’s deputy leader. Observers noted her grace as she navigated the gathering, establishing rapport with several attendees.
Throughout the evening, laughter and lighthearted discussions characterized the event, which not only served to welcome newcomers to Parliament but also reinforced the royal family's role amid the contemporary challenges they face.
Farage's past experiences with the royal family, including attending similar receptions during his time as an MEP starting back in 1999, added layers to his comments. He recalled, 'It’s really funny being at this, because this is not the first one of these I’ve been to,' indicating his long-term relationship with the monarchy.
The reception unfolded amid significant changes within the royal family and the parliamentary structure, especially following the birth of Princess Beatrice's baby, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, earlier this month, adding another joyful note to the royal family's recent events.
With Farage's comments encapsulating both admiration and critique of the modern monarchy, the reception proved to be not just a formality but also a platform for reflection on royal duties and their impact on the nation's governance.