The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, will not be accompanying her husband, Prince Harry, on his upcoming trip to the United Kingdom for the 10th anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games, GB News has learned. Sources close to Meghan confirm that she will remain in Montecito with the couple's two children while the Duke of Sussex attends the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London on May 8.
Prince Harry, who founded the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for military personnel wounded in action, will be making the trip alone. The Duke of Sussex has only returned to Britain on a few occasions since his departure from royal life, including major events such as the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in 2022 and his father's Coronation in May 2023.
Following the service at St Paul's Cathedral, Prince Harry will be joined by the Duchess of Sussex in Nigeria for an Invictus-inspired visit. During their stay, the couple is expected to take part in cultural activities and meet with service members and their families.
Meghan Markle's absence from the UK trip has been the subject of speculation for months. The Duchess of Sussex has not visited the UK since September 2022, when she attended Queen Elizabeth II's funeral alongside her husband. She also chose not to attend King Charles's Coronation last year, as it fell on the same day as their son Prince Archie's fourth birthday.
No other members of the Royal Family have been confirmed to attend the Invictus Games service at St Paul's Cathedral next week. Neither the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex nor Buckingham Palace has confirmed any plans for Prince Harry to meet his father during the royal's UK trip. However, both have made clear their willingness to spend time together should their diaries permit.
The Duke of Sussex was last seen in Britain in February for a brief meeting with his father after the monarch announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. The Palace confirmed on Friday that King Charles would return to public duties after making good progress following his cancer treatment and a period of recuperation.
In an interview with Good Morning America in February, Prince Harry expressed his desire to make more visits to see his family, stating, "So my family and my life in California is as it is. I have got other trips planned. That would take me through the UK or back to the UK, so you know, I'll stop in and see my family as much as I can."
The news of Meghan Markle's absence from the UK trip comes after the announcement that actor Damian Lewis is expected to recite a poem at the Service of Thanksgiving. The Invictus Games Foundation issued a statement on social media, saying, "The Invictus Games Foundation will celebrate 10 years of changing lives and saving lives with a 'Service of Thanksgiving' at St Paul's Cathedral on May 8th. We will be joined by our Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, actor Damian Lewis and members of the worldwide Invictus Community to mark the occasion."
Since stepping down from the Royal Family in 2020 and moving away from the UK, Meghan and Harry have made very few return trips to the country. The couple's decision to prioritize their lives in California and their various projects has led to speculation about their relationship with the Royal Family and their future involvement in royal events.
