Palace staff were reportedly taken by surprise when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced via the media that they would both travel to Balmoral following the Queen's death, according to sources. The announcement, made through a small group of journalists at 1.53pm on Thursday, prompted a flurry of behind-the-scenes activity as aides scrambled to clarify the couple's plans.
The statement read: 'From a spokesperson: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be travelling to Scotland.' However, this was news to the Palace, and many behind royal walls were said to be incredulous. The initial decision that both Harry and Meghan would travel was seen as wholly inappropriate, as this was a private family moment.
Only the Queen's two oldest children, Charles and Anne, were present when she passed away. Her other children, Andrew and Edward, arrived later on a plane with Prince William. Edward was accompanied by his wife, Sophie, who is known to have been close to the Queen.
It remains unclear whether the Palace exerted pressure or senior royals were involved, but within half an hour, a spokesman for the Sussexes clarified that 'only the duke was travelling at the moment'. Some speculate that Meghan had not considered that Kate, now Princess of Wales, would not be travelling, and when this was pointed out, they realised how it looked. Others believe Meghan was effectively banned, using the argument that Kate was staying at home.
