In the hours leading up to the passing of Queen Elizabeth, the royal family found itself embroiled in yet another controversy, this time involving Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. A recent revelation has shed light on the tension that arose when Meghan expressed her desire to visit the Queen on her deathbed.
Meghan Markle, who along with her husband Prince Harry, stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, reportedly wanted to be present at Balmoral, the Queen's residence, during the monarch's final moments. An insider shared that while Meghan and Harry publicly announced their intention to be at Balmoral due to the Queen's deteriorating health, they hadn't received an official invitation. The source emphasized the significance of an invitation to Balmoral, especially during such a pivotal moment in the monarchy's history.
The situation became even more complicated when Meghan and Harry, who had been estranged from the royal family for quite some time, reached out to Prince William for transportation to the British estate. A close associate of William's described the request as "insane," especially given the recent tensions between the brothers. The rift had been exacerbated by Harry's accusations against the family and his upcoming memoir, which was set to be published after the Queen's passing.
Queen Elizabeth, the world's longest-reigning monarch, passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. In the aftermath of Meghan and Harry's public declaration, King Charles, the newly crowned monarch, personally reached out to his younger son. He conveyed that while Harry was welcome at Balmoral, Meghan was not.
Harry's memoir, titled "Spare," provided his perspective on the incident. He recounted a conversation with his father, King Charles, who tried to explain his reasons for excluding Meghan from the visit. Harry expressed his displeasure at the way his wife was spoken about, emphasizing his loyalty to her.
The relationship between Meghan and the royal family has been a topic of global interest since her marriage to Prince Harry. Their decision to step back from royal duties, their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, and their endeavors in the U.S. have kept them in the spotlight. This recent revelation about Meghan's desire to visit the Queen and the subsequent fallout adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of the Sussexes and their relationship with the British monarchy.
The royal family, known for its discretion and adherence to protocol, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. The passing of Queen Elizabeth and the ascension of King Charles to the throne mark the beginning of a new era. As the monarchy navigates these changes, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see how the legacy of the British crown will evolve in the coming years.