Meghan Markle has only returned to the UK three times since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, and she will not be joining Prince Harry for his visit to London this week. Instead, the Duchess of Sussex will meet her husband in Nigeria in the coming days for a trip that royal experts say offers a better public relations opportunity than a return to Britain.
According to royal commentator Jack Royston, Meghan is hoping the Nigeria visit will provide 'good PR', while a trip to England risks being 'booed' by royalists who 'don't really like her very much'. The couple faced a hostile reception during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, when crowds were heard booing as they left St Paul's Cathedral.
Meghan also declined to attend King Charles's coronation in May 2023, and has reportedly refused to bring her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK despite olive branches from the Prince and Princess of Wales. Royal expert Tom Quinn said, 'There is no way Meghan would bring the children to the UK.' Omid Scobie's book Endgame claims Meghan 'never felt at home' in Britain and 'never wants to set foot again in England'.
Security remains a key concern. The High Court recently rejected Prince Harry's legal challenge against a Home Office decision that he is not entitled to automatic police protection when in the UK. Harry has stated he cannot put his wife and children in danger, and the uncertainty over protection is a major barrier to their return. For the Nigeria visit, the couple have been offered security by the Nigerian government but have been advised to keep a low profile.
