Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, have had a strained relationship with the royal family since stepping away from royal duties in January 2020. The couple has since settled in Montecito, California, living a very different life and raising their two children, Lilibet and Archie.
After leaving the UK, it wasn’t long before the couple decided to speak out about their experiences. Their bombshell interview with Oprah, followed by a Netflix series and Harry’s book Spare, brought their grievances into the spotlight. These revelations have further complicated any potential reconciliation with the royal family.
Meghan has only returned to the UK a few times since their departure. However, there is speculation that she may visit again in May, potentially opening the door for reconciliation with Prince William and Kate Middleton. But this prospect comes with significant hurdles, as a royal expert claims that Meghan has two key demands, including a “groveling apology,” before considering any amends.
Shortly after settling in the US, Harry and Meghan gave a high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey, marking the start of a public feud with the royal family, with Prince William and Kate Middleton often at the forefront.
Harry and Meghan further detailed their grievances in a Netflix series and through Harry’s book Spare, where Harry disclosed much about life as a “spare” in the royal sphere, particularly highlighting his strained relationship with his brother.
The royal family, including Prince William, has generally remained silent on Harry’s accusations. According to Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, Prince William is unwilling to speak with Harry until he receives a sincere apology.
“William would be upset that Harry yet again has chosen to make this visit to his father a PR opportunity,” Seward told The Sun. “William has no interest in speaking to Harry until Harry apologizes for his rudeness and slurs aimed at William and the Princess of Wales.”
“William must be privately furious thinking about all the years he supported Harry, and at this crucial time in their father’s life, all Harry can think about is using it as an opportunity to announce his arrival and expect to see William.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle both attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. The Duchess, however, did not join her husband for King Charles’ coronation last year.
“Meghan Doesn’t Feel Guilty about Kate”
Harry attended the coronation at Westminster Abbey but returned to the US soon after. Reports suggest the royals were glad he left quickly.
King Charles is most eager to see his sons reconcile, recognizing the importance for both personal and future stability. Kate Middleton and Meghan were once seen as the future of the monarchy alongside their husbands, but their relationship has soured significantly, making reconciliation appear unlikely.
According to royal expert Tom Quinn, Meghan felt unsupported by Kate during her time as a working royal, believing they should have bonded as outsiders married into the family.
“Meghan doesn’t feel guilty about Kate because she believes Kate should have backed her against every difficulty,” Quinn told the Mirror. “Meghan knew Kate was an outsider, so she couldn’t understand why Kate always toed the royal line instead of supporting her.”
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Harry and Meghan reached out to Kate Middleton with well wishes following her abdominal surgery, but they reportedly found out about her cancer diagnosis through the news.
Kate Middleton’s health struggles could potentially be a way of mending her relationship with Meghan Markle, though Quinn suggests their relationship has become too “poisonous” to recover from.
“Kate’s cancer diagnosis shocked Meghan, but she sees no way to fix the relationship because it’s so poisonous,” Quinn added. “Meghan also fears people would think she’s only trying to reconcile because Kate is ill. Meghan believes Kate was wrong and should apologize first.
Prince Harry made a brief visit to the UK after his father, King Charles, was diagnosed with cancer. He reportedly met with his father at Sandringham, but Prince William did not attend. Despite Harry’s offer to help the royals during this challenging time, William would not agree to it.
The Sussexes may return to the UK soon, though it is unrelated to the royal family. On May 8, the Invictus Games anniversary event will be held, and a service is scheduled at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Prince Harry, the founder of the Invictus Games, will attend the event. According to Express, Meghan is also listed as a guest, though her appearance is not yet confirmed.
Sources told the tabloid, “Both Harry and Meghan are listed as guests, and a speech is scheduled, but it’s uncertain if Meghan will appear. Her name is penciled in as TBC (to be confirmed).”
Despite the strained relationships, Quinn claims Prince William and Kate are surprisingly the ones working to mend things.
In another interview with the Mirror, Quinn noted that Prince William and Kate suggested that Harry and Meghan bring their children to the Invictus Games event to try and rebuild their relationship.
“William and Kate suggested that Meghan and Harry bring their children and that the two families try to make up, but the suggestion isn’t leading anywhere so far,” Quinn told the Mirror.
Meghan Markle Fears for Her Children’s Safety in the UK
While Meghan is listed as a guest, concerns for her children’s safety may prevent her from attending.
A source told OK! Magazine that Meghan is hesitant to bring Archie and Lilibet to the UK because she doesn’t feel safe.
“It’s now about whether the family should attend with increased security or if Harry should go alone,” the source said.
Harry reportedly pleaded with Meghan to reconsider, saying, “I don’t want to do this alone.”
“Harry prefers family visits to the UK to see his family and build bridges, but the complexities behind the scenes make it challenging,” the source continued.
“Both Harry and Meghan planned to come to the UK, but when their appearance’s exact time and date were made public, Meghan reconsidered,” the source said.
In addition to concerns about her children’s safety, Meghan also fears that returning to the UK would be fraught with anxiety and unwelcome feelings.
As mentioned, Prince William is angry with his brother for allegedly “selling secrets” and discussing Kate in his book, which has further strained their relationship. William demands an apology from Harry, who similarly wants one from his brother.
The feud is deeply ingrained, with both sides feeling wronged. Royal expert Tom Quinn explains that two key demands prevent reconciliation, and Meghan isn’t ready to accept the current state of affairs.
