The third child of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew will celebrate his 60th birthday on February 19. However, it was revealed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will not return to the United Kingdom as they "declined" the invitation for the said celebration.
Despite the Queen's reported wishes to have a small celebration together with the family members, the Duke and Duchess were said to already have "priors."
According to Express UK, the British media correspondent, Neil Sean recently shared with publications that the Sussex couple's decline to the invitation is an "open secret." While speculations continue to develop that there is "bad blood" among Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Andrew, it was explained that the they already have "commitments" on the day of the celebration.
Nevertheless, the Duke and Duchess will reportedly send a gift or a card, along with a "video message" for the Duke of York. It was said that the video will be played during the party.
The reported absence of the Sussexes allegedly upset Queen Elizabeth II. However, no confirmations have been made about the issue.
It was not also disclosed as to what commitments Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have for the said date. But, it was claimed that they will be present at the York Princess, Beatrice's wedding in May.
The thing that the reports are certain, though, is that the celebration of Prince Andrew's 60th birthday will be "scaled down." It was previously reported that the monarch cancelled her son's pre-planned "lavish" party for his 60th.
The reason behind this dynamic is due to the Duke of York's "disastrous" interview a few months ago concerning his affiliations to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Although the interview was reportedly supposed to make things better for Prince Andrew, it ended up in him stepping back from his duties and responsibilities.
In considering that he is no longer a working royal, not to mention his current condition in the eyes of the British audience, CNN reported that the Duke of York will not have a "military promotion" for his 60th birthday, which was originally set for the said event. Even so, the promotion will still happen once he returns to his duties as the Duke of York.
The same reports also noted that the union flag will not be flown to honor his birthday. But, the case is different for Westminster Abbey as it was revealed that the bells will still ring for the celebration.
On Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's part, it is believed that the couple will be back to the United Kingdom next month for the Commonwealth Day. It was stated that they will participate in three to four official engagements, which will serve as their final series of royal duties before the Megxit deal takes in effect in April.
