King Charles is reportedly disappointed and upset after Meghan Markle decided not to accompany Prince Harry to the UK, according to a former royal butler. The Duke of Sussex is currently on a five-day trip to Britain without his wife, citing security concerns.
Security Concerns Behind Meghan's Absence
The Duchess of Sussex opted to stay away from London as Prince Harry began his visit. The couple's decision is believed to stem from escalating worries about their safety in the UK. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lost their armed police protection when they stepped down as senior working royals in 2020. Harry had been awaiting a verdict from the Risk Management Board (RMB), part of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which determines his security needs. Days before the visit, the Sussexes were informed that no verdict had been reached, and a plea for police protection during the trip was rejected.
King Charles Seeks Meeting
King Charles has instructed his staff to find a slot in his schedule for a meeting with Harry and Meghan. The King is optimistic that this could also reunite him with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for the first time since 2022. Although Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet are not currently in the UK, Harry may plan to bring them for a short visit. A royal source told the Mirror: "While nothing has been ruled out, conversations remain ongoing."
Palace Tensions
After initially rejecting an invitation to stay at a royal residence, Prince Harry later requested one night at Buckingham Palace. Reports indicate that the King was advised not to meet his son to avoid jeopardizing his constitutional role, as Harry's High Court case verdict was pending. Harry lost the High Court case against Associated Newspapers on Tuesday, July 7. One source revealed that Harry kept changing his mind, leaving the palace with no option but to say "forget it."
Meghan's Reaction
Sources claim Meghan is unhappy with how the palace handled Harry during his UK visit and does not want to meet them. This may sacrifice her once close relationship with the King. A source told journalist Rob Shuter on his Substack: "This was one insult too many. Meghan feels they've bent over backwards for Harry's family, only to be embarrassed again. As far as she's concerned, she'll never see them again."
Former Royal Butler's Insight
Ex-royal butler Grant Harrold shared his thoughts with OLBG: "This trip could have been a big turning point for Meghan, as it could have been a huge step in terms of relations between her and the royals. A private, in-person meeting with her in-laws was the next positive step on their path to fix the upset. It also could have done wonders for her in terms of public perception. If she doesn't come, it's not going to fix anything. I think she's basically saying if it doesn't happen on our terms, it's not going to happen." Harrold added: "I think the King will be really disappointed and upset. He had such a close bond with Meghan. I think he'll be really upset, not just about missing out on the meeting but also on what it means for the future."
