Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has reportedly declined an invitation to visit the United Kingdom next month with her husband, Prince Harry, unless she receives an apology from the British royal family. This information comes amid ongoing discussions about the strained relationships within the royal family and speculation about potential reconciliation efforts.
Sources close to the situation claim that Meghan’s insistence on an apology stems from past grievances that she feels have not been adequately addressed by the royal family. This includes alleged racist remarks made about her and her son, Archie, by unnamed royal family members.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Royal expert Tom Quinn stated, “Harry is interested in reconciling, but he fully backs his wife. He believes reconciliation remains unlikely unless the royal family treats her with sufficient kindness and apologizes for past actions.”
Quinn added that Meghan is impeding Prince Harry’s efforts to engage in peace talks with Prince William and Kate, effectively blocking her husband from extending an olive branch. This comes despite the opportunity for reconciliation following Kate’s diagnosis of cancer.
According to reports, Prince Harry supports his wife’s stance and seeks to mend ties with his family, particularly his brother, Prince William. However, the prospect of reconciliation remains distant without the royal family’s significant goodwill gesture. The ongoing rift has been exacerbated by the Sussexes’ decision to resign from royal duties in 2020 and relocate to the United States.
Further complicating matters, Prince Harry recently lost a legal battle regarding his security arrangements in the UK, which raised concerns about his family’s safety during visits to Britain. These concerns have influenced Meghan’s reluctance to travel to the UK, especially without guaranteed security.
The couple’s strained relationship with the royal family has been public and contentious, marked by their various interviews and a Netflix documentary criticizing the royal institution. These actions have reportedly not sat well with other royal family members, leading to increased tensions and a complex dynamic within the family structure.
Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to bridge the gap. After Kate’s recent surgery, Meghan reportedly reached out to her, suggesting a desire to rebuild their relationship.
Harry and Meghan continue to fulfill their commitments independently regarding public engagements. Meghan has been involved in charitable activities and recently launched a new lifestyle brand, while Harry is preparing for the upcoming Invictus Games anniversary in May.
The royal family has not publicly responded to the demands for an apology, and senior royals continue to engage in their scheduled duties. The situation remains delicate, with each party waiting for the other to make a move that could lead to reconciliation or further estrangement.