Sir Trevor McDonald has called Prince Harry's absence from the working monarchy "a great shame," particularly as the Royal Family faces significant health challenges.
The veteran broadcaster's comments come as King Charles undergoes cancer treatment and after the Princess of Wales announced she is in remission, highlighting what he describes as an increasingly "slimmed down" monarchy.
Speaking to Saga magazine, the former ITV newsreader emphasised that the institution cannot afford to lose someone of Harry's youth and energy.
"We cannot afford to lose someone so young, so full of energy and so imbued with the charitable instincts that are at the core of our Royal Family," Sir Trevor said.
Veteran broadcaster says losing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a 'great shame' amid royal challenges
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Sir Trevor, who has met Prince Harry several times, praised the Duke's genuine character and likened him to Princess Diana.
"Having met him three or four times over the years, I found him unfailingly friendly, honest and genuine," he told the magazine.
The broadcaster noted Harry's special connection to charitable causes, particularly highlighting his work with Commonwealth students.
"I was struck by the similarity to his mother, the late Princess Diana. It seemed to me he spoke from the heart, just as she did," Sir Trevor observed.
Sir Trevor McDonald pictured at Wimbledon in 2023
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He praised Harry's commitment to social causes, noting how the prince followed "the paths she laid out - the socially progressive causes, the passion for the charities."
Sir Trevor was particularly critical of how Meghan Markle was treated, suggesting she "never stood a chance" due to multiple factors.
"She is a foreigner: an American, a divorcee, a former actress and black," he explained to Saga magazine.
The broadcaster believes Meghan could have brought valuable change to the monarchy.
"By having a different background, perhaps she could have changed how the Royal Family is perceived by those who had never before felt a strong connection," he said.
Meghan and harry stepped back from official royal duties in 2020GettyHe pointed to recent media coverage of Meghan's new Netflix show as evidence of why the couple initially left Britain.
Sir Trevor reflected on Harry's personal struggles, noting the prince's young age when Princess Diana died.
"Walking along The Mall following his mother's hearse he said he was surprised to see so many people in tears, since they never knew her. That is the comment of a child," Sir Trevor said.
The broadcaster acknowledged that from today's perspective, a return seems "almost impossible."
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Prince Harry settled in Montecito 2020 with his wife Meghan MarkleGettyDespite current challenges, Sir Trevor remains hopeful about a potential reconciliation between the Sussexes and the Royal Family.
"I sincerely hope it can be done one day," he told Saga magazine, reiterating his belief in Harry's value to the monarchy.
The broadcaster noted it has been five years since the couple relocated to North America, first to Canada and then to California. He revealed he had "always felt the move was temporary and that they would return to live in Britain once again."
Sir Trevor emphasised that Harry's return would strengthen the monarchy, particularly given his charitable instincts and energetic approach to royal duties.
