Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly left out of a significant royal event attended by world leaders, adding to the couple’s growing list of grievances with the royal family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not invited to a gathering of working royals held the night before Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, an event that left Harry feeling heartbroken, according to reports.
Roya Nikkhah, Royal Editor for The Sunday Times, revealed that Harry and Meghan had initially believed they would be included in the gathering at Buckingham Palace. The reception, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, was attended by foreign heads of state and other members of the royal family. However, Harry and Meghan’s invitations were later rescinded, with the Palace clarifying that the event was intended for “working members of the royal family” only.
“The Sussexes also understood they would be at Buckingham Palace on the eve of the funeral alongside the rest of the royal family,” Nikkhah wrote. “They were initially asked to the event but their invitations were later ‘rescinded’, with the Palace clarifying the event was for ‘working members of the royal family’ only.”
This exclusion has reportedly left Harry deeply hurt, particularly in the wake of other recent developments that have strained his relationship with the royal family. Author Tom Quinn recently disclosed that Harry was devastated after being evicted from Frogmore Cottage, his and Meghan’s former home in Windsor.
“Harry was absolutely furious and in tears about being evicted from Frogmore – he felt his father had no right to do it and that it was purely vindictive,” Quinn said.
The ongoing tensions between Harry and the royal family have been evident in recent months, with this latest snub adding to the rift. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to navigate their roles outside of the royal fold, the strain within the family shows no signs of easing.