In the regal halls of Britain's monarchy, certain topics are becoming taboo, especially as King Charles III approaches his 75th birthday on November 14. Palace insiders have quietly communicated that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now commonly referred to among staff as "the unmentionables," should not be a topic of conversation during the celebratory events planned around the King's milestone birthday.
The directive comes amid a packed November for the monarch, who has recently wrapped up a state visit to Kenya and presided over his inaugural session of Parliament as King. With Remembrance Sunday and the arrival of the President of South Korea also on the royal agenda, sources close to the palace have indicated that Charles III is keen on having uninterrupted celebrations.
The King's birthday festivities are set to include a charity event at Highgrove and a grand reception at Clarence House. These events have been earmarked as Sussex-free zones, both in presence and discussion, highlighting the strained relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family. The exclusion of Harry and Meghan from these events is a stark departure from past practices and sends a clear message about their current standing within the royal family dynamics.
According to sources, the decision to avoid any mention of the Sussexes is not merely about their absence but a deliberate choice to prevent any overshadowing of the King's celebrations. It seems that Charles III is determined to keep the focus on the charitable and ceremonial aspects of his birthday rather than any familial tensions.
This silent decree follows a period of repeated snubs and tense relations between Harry, Meghan, and the Royal Family. While the King has extended invitations to the couple for various royal events throughout 2023, their continued absence has led to what appears to be a turning point in their royal relations.
King Charles's intention to celebrate his birthday without the "unmentionables" is a telling sign of the changing tides. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams hinted at the gravity of the situation, noting that the Sussexes have previously disrupted royal plans and that the absence of an invitation to Charles's 75th birthday is particularly telling. The situation presents a challenging scenario for the King as he settles into his role as the head of state and contemplates the future of the monarchy.
The palace has not publicly commented on the decision to exclude Harry and Meghan from the celebrations. However, the move is interpreted by many as a significant statement on their place within the royal family. The exclusion of the Sussexes from such a key milestone in the King's life is seen as indicative of a rift that has yet to heal and poses questions about what the future may hold for the couple's relationship with the monarchy.
The birthday celebrations are expected to see all senior members of the Royal Family at Clarence House, sans Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It remains to be seen how this decision will shape the ongoing narrative of the Royal Family and the Sussexes' place within it.
