Despite an alleged "open invitation" to attend key royal events, including the upcoming Trooping the Colour ceremony, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are unlikely to make an appearance, according to royal commentators. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020 and now reside in Montecito, California, have not participated in the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony appearance since 2019.
Speaking on the Palace Confidential podcast, Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden claimed that the Sussexes have an "open invitation" to attend major royal events but added, "They have to face facts that they're just not wanted there and I don't think any other members of the royal family want to see them."
This sentiment was echoed by Daily Mail's Editor-at-Large Charlotte Griffiths, who pointed to Meghan Markle's apparent discomfort during her first and only appearance at Trooping the Colour alongside Prince Harry in 2019. Griffiths recalled a "very awkward exchange" between Markle and Princess Kate, suggesting that the Duchess of Sussex may be reluctant to return to the balcony.
"Meghan actually looked quite uncomfortable and I can't imagine her ever wanting to stand on that balcony again because she has to stand at the back and share the limelight, which we know isn't her favourite thing," Griffiths remarked. She added that despite Prince Harry "thriving" at the celebration and taking pride in showing Meghan the ropes, he would be unlikely to attend the event without his wife by his side.
"I just can't see him ever coming back without her, he just wouldn't do that, he wouldn't separate from her for long enough, and I just think she would probably refuse even if she just in the UK, which is a hypothetical argument because we know she doesn't come here," Griffiths continued.
The royal commentators' observations highlight the ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family, stemming from their decision to step back from their roles and the subsequent fallout. While Prince Harry's absence from his father's birthday celebration may be seen as a missed opportunity for reconciliation, the experts suggest that the presence of the Sussexes could potentially "sour" the event.
The upcoming Trooping the Colour ceremony, a centuries-old tradition marking the monarch's official birthday, will see many members of the Royal Family gather at Buckingham Palace. However, in addition to the Sussexes, it is unlikely that Princess Kate will attend due to her ongoing health issues. There is also speculation that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis may not participate in the event.
As the royal family prepares for the celebration, the absence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle serves as a reminder of the ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the family. The alleged "open invitation" to attend key events appears to be at odds with the couple's reluctance to return to the UK and their perceived lack of acceptance by other members of the royal family.
