Queen Elizabeth II reportedly experienced a sense of relief when Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, didn’t attend Prince Philip’s funeral, as spilled by Tom Bower in his recent book.
The ceremony took place on April 17, 2021, amidst rising tensions within the royal family, with Markle remaining in California due to her pregnancy.
Sources close to the monarch indicated that she viewed this absence as a much-needed respite from the ongoing familial strains.
According to Bower, the Queen expressed this sentiment to her aides, reportedly sighing, “Thank goodness Meghan is not coming.”
Markle had opted out of the event, citing her late-stage pregnancy.
This memorial marked a poignant moment following Prince Philip’s passing on April 9, 2021, necessitating that Prince Harry, her husband, fly back from the U.S. solely to honor his grandfather.
The funeral itself showcased the grandeur of British ceremonial tradition, revealing the remarkably disciplined execution of military drills.
However, the focus on family dynamics loomed over the proceedings.
Just a month prior, Harry and Meghan made headlines with their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they unveiled serious allegations about the royal family.
In that conversation, Markle opened up about struggling with her mental health while living under the scrutiny of the monarchy, stating she had considered taking her own life.
Harry highlighted the lack of support from the royal family when they sought help, emphasizing that discussing mental health was a taboo subject within the Firm.
He noted that witnessing Markle’s anguish echoed the experiences of his late mother, Princess Diana.
The couple’s revelations didn’t just stop there; Markle also spoke of concerns raised by unnamed royals regarding the skin color of her then-unborn son, Archie.
When Winfrey pressed Harry about the matter, he responded cautiously, stating, “That conversation I am never going to share,” indicating the sensitivity surrounding it.
They both, however, voiced positive reflections about the late Queen, describing her as warm and approachable.
Royal commentary has also shed light on the relationship dynamics within the family.
Biographer Gyles Brandreth recently suggested that the Queen harbored concerns about Prince Harry’s deep affection for Meghan.
Tom Bower echoed this, revealing that many in the royal circle, including Prince Charles and Prince William, also had reservations about Harry’s devotion to his wife.
The term “expelled” was used to describe the couple’s distancing from the royal family, noting the stripping of their titles and privileges when they opted for a new life in California.
While some might find this characterization a bit harsh, it reflects the reality that both Harry and Meghan desired more engagement than they subsequently received.
Yet, despite their choices, there was an evident critical view from the Queen about Meghan, suggesting that her relief regarding Markle’s absence at the funeral was grounded in a desire to shield the day’s atmosphere from any added drama.
With the Queen’s passing, it raises the question of whether family rifts can find healing in the future.
As the funeral approached, the dynamic was palpable; Harry was not only estranged from his family but also stripped of his military titles, which added an extra layer of awkwardness to the occasion.
The men attending the service opted for suits instead of military attire, an act of solidarity toward Harry amidst a tense atmosphere.
Shortly after the funeral, Harry and Meghan seemed to attempt reinstating their connection with the Queen, hoping for a public appearance during her jubilee celebrations.
However, tension remained, particularly with Prince Charles, who preferred they stay out of major royal events and maintain a low profile.
The rifts and relationships continue to evolve, especially concerning their children and the implications of royal traditions.
For instance, the couple named their daughter Lilibet, a tribute to the Queen, but it later emerged that the monarch had not been consulted, underlining the complexities of their interactions.
In the grand scheme of royal drama, the absence of Meghan Markle from such a significant event underscores ongoing familial issues, while the concern from the Queen highlights just how deep these tensions run.
While the world watched and scrutinized, behind the palace walls, personal struggles and a desire for connection lingered.
The future of the royal family remains to be seen, and healing among its members feels more crucial than ever.
