In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, a complex narrative surrounding the royal family has emerged.
Her death not only marked the end of an era but also reignited discussions about the strained relationships within the monarchy, particularly concerning Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The revelations from Katie Nicholl, author of “The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown,” shed light on the dynamics that unfolded in the final years of the Queen’s life, especially regarding her relationship with her grandson and his family.
Nicholl’s book highlights a poignant moment when Harry and Meghan declined the Queen’s invitation to visit Balmoral Castle—not once, but twice.
Despite the tensions that had arisen since the couple stepped back from their royal duties in early 2020, the late monarch made considerable efforts to maintain a bond with Harry, Meghan, and their children, Archie and Lilibet.
According to Nicholl, video calls became a cherished way for the Queen to stay connected with her family, showcasing her desire to bridge the gap created by their departure.
The couple’s transition to North America meant they returned to the UK only three times since leaving royal life.
Their appearances were notably brief, including a fleeting visit in April and participation in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, followed by her state funeral.
Yet, even amidst these public engagements, the Queen reportedly felt a lingering sense of disappointment regarding Harry and Meghan’s absence during family gatherings.
During a recent episode of the “Today for Podcast,” Nicholl revealed that the Queen often felt let down by her grandson and his wife.
She traditionally hosted a large family gathering at Balmoral every August, inviting all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
However, Harry and Meghan’s absence in recent summers was a source of hurt for the monarch, who longed for familial unity during special occasions.
Since their departure from royal duties, the Sussexes have spent Christmas away from the royal family, opting instead for time in Canada with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.
This decision marked a significant shift, as they have not celebrated the holiday together since 2019.
The Queen’s desire to reunite with her family during festive seasons and summers at Balmoral was met with disappointment, as Harry and Meghan chose alternative plans.
Reports indicate that Prince Charles, now King, extended invitations to the Sussexes to join him at Balmoral, hoping for a chance to reconnect.
Despite the ongoing tensions and criticisms, he remained steadfast in his desire to bring the family together.
However, these invitations went unheeded, further emphasizing the rift within the royal family.
As the Sussexes traveled to Europe for charity work and events like the Invictus Games, they initially had no plans to meet with royal family members.
However, the Queen’s death altered their itinerary, prompting them to join other royals in mourning the loss of their matriarch.
Harry made his way to Balmoral shortly after the announcement of the Queen’s passing, reuniting with his father and brother for the first time since his royal exit.
Interestingly, Nicholl pointed out that the couple had previously turned down an invitation from the Queen to spend a long weekend at Balmoral in 2019.
Instead, they opted for a vacation in Ibiza and the south of France, prioritizing leisure over family connection.
This choice raised eyebrows and hinted at the couple’s shifting priorities as they distanced themselves from royal obligations.
Despite her disappointment, the Queen’s instinct was always to protect her family, particularly Harry.
Nicholl emphasizes that the Queen’s enduring hope was to keep the family united, even as circumstances pulled them apart.
It’s a bittersweet reflection on a relationship complicated by modernity and personal choices.
As we ponder the implications of these revelations, one can’t help but wonder what Harry and Meghan truly feel about their decisions.
Do they harbor regrets about stepping away from royal life, or are they content with their newfound independence?
The answers remain elusive, leaving us to speculate about the future of their relationship with the royal family.
The story of the Sussexes and their ties to the monarchy continues to unfold, with each revelation adding another layer to an already intricate narrative.
As we await further developments, it’s clear that the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II will resonate within the royal family for years to come, shaping the dynamics of those who remain.