Meghan Markle kept a low profile during her first prolonged UK visit in nearly four years, but royal experts warn that future public appearances will bring intense scrutiny and criticism. The Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry brought their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to visit King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House, paid respects at Princess Diana's grave, and enjoyed a family break in Scotland.
Understated Visit Contrasts with Future Events
Meghan shared a photograph on Instagram of Harry and the children carrying flowers to Diana's resting place, which was seen by her 4.7 million followers. Sources suggested part of the tribute was filmed for a Netflix documentary ahead of next year's 30th anniversary of Diana's death.
The July 2026 visit was Meghan's first alongside Harry since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. But the low-key nature of the trip won't always be possible, with the Invictus Games in Birmingham next year and the 30th anniversary of Diana's death on 31 August 2027 set to draw global attention.
Experts Warn of Criticism and Trolling
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told New! magazine: "There's no getting away from the fact that Meghan sharply divides opinion in this country." She added: "I'm sure she's aware that many people in the UK probably blame her for Harry's estrangement from his family, so she'll know that any public appearances at the Invictus Games or to commemorate Diana's death will risk drawing criticism from some quarters."
Bond continued: "She's not daft and she knows what comes with social media – and that is a lot of scrutiny and a lot of trolling. So we have to assume she's tough enough to take that kind of criticism, and that it's a price she'd be willing to pay if she does decide to come to the UK."
Potential Encounter with William and Catherine
The anniversary also raises the possibility of Meghan, 45, encountering the Prince and Princess of Wales, with whom she shares a troubled relationship. Prince William, 44, is understood to harbour "absolute contempt" for his younger brother following disclosures in Harry's autobiography, Spare.
Bond said: "I'm sure Harry would want Meghan by his side if he takes part in any commemoration of his mother's death – we know that he has taken her at least twice to visit Diana's grave. But it would be a whole lot more difficult if William and Catherine were at the same event. I think it's unlikely at this stage that William and Harry – with or without their wives – will agree to attend any events together."
Bond believes there is "every prospect" of Meghan supporting Harry, 41, in public at the Invictus Games in the UK next summer. Since their marriage in 2018, Meghan has accompanied Harry at every Invictus Games.
Psychotherapist on Personal Dilemma
Psychotherapist Susie Masterson said the personal dilemma for the Sussexes presented by the 2027 events should not be underestimated. She told New! magazine: "You have to have a really strong sense of self to be in a situation you don't want to be in. So Meghan has to find some way of using her boundaries as the equivalent of a suit of armour, to protect herself."
Masterson added: "Lots of people go through big events such as these, and are confronted with situations like this, but 2027 takes things to the next level for Meghan and Harry in terms of what they've potentially got to go through."
