As King Charles III prepares to celebrate his 75th birthday on November 14, a significant absence will be felt: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be attending the celebrations. This revelation, while perhaps disappointing to some, has reportedly brought a sense of relief to the royal family.
According to royal reporter Neil Sean, the absence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is seen as beneficial for the event's overall atmosphere. The royal family, it seems, prefers to avoid the potential discomfort that the couple's presence might bring, given their strained relationships and past controversial actions, including the release of their Netflix docuseries and Harry's memoir, "Spare."
The situation underscores the ongoing rift within the royal family, particularly between King Charles and his youngest son. Sean highlighted a statement Meghan made in a magazine interview, suggesting Harry had "lost his father." This comment deeply hurt Charles, who felt misrepresented as a father.
King Charles' milestone birthday arrives at a challenging time for the monarch. Sources close to him reveal that he had hoped for a reconciliation with Harry, especially on such a significant occasion. However, according to reports, Harry and Meghan have no immediate plans to return to the U.K. and participate in royal family celebrations. Harry has stated that a public apology to Meghan from senior royal family members would be a prerequisite for any reconciliation.
Prince Charles hopes that more people in the ethnic minority group will get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Despite the complexity of these family dynamics, King Charles' birthday will be a subdued affair, reflecting his sensitivity to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis affecting many in the U.K. and worldwide. He has requested that any gifts, cards, or flowers be directed to charities, a gesture in line with his vision of a more modern and relatable monarchy.
Known for her sharp wit, Queen Camilla is said to be planning a light-hearted gift for the King, possibly a pen with a humorous backstory, referencing a previous incident where Charles struggled with a leaky pen.
In a private gesture, Harry and Meghan are expected to send their good wishes to King Charles along with a card from their children, Archie and Lilibet. This private acknowledgment contrasts sharply with the very public criticisms they have leveled at the royal family in the past.
As King Charles navigates his landmark 75th year, he faces the challenge of leading a monarchy while dealing with a deeply fractured family. His expressed desire for peace and calm in his later years seems to clash with the ongoing turmoil surrounding his relationship with Harry and Meghan. Only time will tell how these complex relationships will evolve as the new era of King Charles' reign continues.
