The Duchess of Sussex did not participate in the Queen's Sandringham summit to decide the future roles of herself and Prince Harry, palace sources have confirmed. Contrary to earlier expectations, Meghan did not join the crisis talks via conference call from Vancouver Island, where she had returned to be with her son Archie.
A palace source stated that the Sussexes decided the duchess's direct input was not necessary for the highly confidential meeting, which was hosted by the Queen and attended by the Prince of Wales and Princes William and Harry. This clarification counters speculative reports that Meghan had been deliberately excluded from the discussions.
The summit was convened following the couple's announcement last Wednesday that they intended to 'step back' from frontline royal duties and become financially independent. The Queen has given the plan her reluctant blessing, but stressed that complex matters remain to be resolved, including security arrangements and funding.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that the federal government had not been involved in discussions about the couple's move to Canada. He noted that while many Canadians are supportive, there are still discussions to be had about costs and logistics.
Prince Harry's first public engagement since the crisis will be on Thursday, when he conducts the draw for the Rugby League World Cup at Buckingham Palace. Other royals have returned to their normal duties, with the Queen announcing an incoming state visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
