In a recent revelation, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has made her intentions clear: she is unlikely to return to the United Kingdom, the nation that once welcomed her into its royal fold. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of strained relations and a series of tell-all revelations that have sent shockwaves through the British monarchy.
Meghan's relationship with the British royal family has been under scrutiny for quite some time, with tensions escalating due to the controversies stirred by her candid disclosures. As royal expert Jan Moir opined, the current state of affairs between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the royal family resembles a "burnt-out bombsite where a family used to be." The once warm ties have now cooled to a point where reconciliation seems distant. Moir further elaborated that the bridges of communication and understanding have been burnt, with no signs of mending in sight.
The British monarchy, in response to the Duchess' revelations, seems to have adopted a "freeze out" approach, reminiscent of the Hollywood treatment meted out to those who fall out of favor. Speculations were rife that Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, might have played a role in this cold shoulder, especially given Prince William's influential position as the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
The upcoming Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, scheduled to start on September 9, have further fueled speculations. With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to attend, many wondered if the Duke would make a brief stop in his homeland. However, recent reports suggest that while the Duke might visit Britain on September 7 for the WellChild Awards, a much-anticipated "peace talks" summit at Balmoral with his father, King Charles III, seems unlikely. The timing is sensitive, as the day following Harry's arrival marks Accession Day, commemorating King Charles III's ascension to the throne and the first death anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II. The King has chosen to spend this significant day in private reflection in the Scottish Highlands, the very place where Queen Elizabeth II breathed her last in the summer of 2022.
Meghan Markle's absence from the UK and royal events has been conspicuous. She hasn't set foot in Britain or attended any royal gatherings since Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on September 19, 2022. Observers and analysts now believe that Meghan, who has been building her independent career in California, has firmly closed the chapter on her royal life in Britain.
In the midst of these royal ripples, one thing is clear: the Duchess of Sussex is charting her own course, undeterred by the challenges and controversies that have marked her journey so far.
