In an unexpected revelation, Prince Harry has shed light on the disruption within the royal family following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Specifically, he discusses the circumstances surrounding his wife Meghan Markle‘s exclusion from Balmoral Castle during this poignant moment.
Harry recounts a tense interaction with his father, King Charles III, shortly before the Queen’s death on September 8, 2022.
When the prince expressed his desire for Meghan to join him at Balmoral, Charles delivered a surprising response that would exacerbate existing family rifts.
The late monarch took her final breath at Balmoral, a place she cherished, at precisely 3:10 PM.
However, Harry could not reach Aberdeen International Airport until 6:46 PM, missing the crucial moments that ensued.
This delay left him grappling with unresolved feelings and fueled speculation of discord within the royal family.
Recently, Meghan was spotted engaging with her close friend Oprah Winfrey during a book club event in California, where her children’s book, “The Bench,” along with Harry’s memoir “Spare,” received recognition in a local bookstore setting.
Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla marked the second anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s passing at a church service destined to honor her legacy.
In his memoir “Spare,” Harry vividly recalls the painful moment he learned Meghan wouldn’t be included at Balmoral.
As family members began flocking to the Scottish estate, a sense of urgency and sorrow gripped Harry, who was already embroiled in a flurry of emotions surrounding his grandmother’s death.
He describes his father stating flatly that Meghan wouldn’t be joining him at the family gathering.
Harry recalls feeling incredulous at Charles’s explanation, which he deemed disrespectful and illogical, resulting in a heated exchange.
“Don’t ever speak about my wife that way,” he retorted, a line that emphasizes the protective nature he holds toward his spouse.
The King, clearly taken aback, reportedly offered an apology, expressing a desire for a more intimate gathering.
He argued that, since other family members’ spouses weren’t attending—specifically mentioning Kate Middleton—Meghan should be excluded as well.
Harry considered this justification weak and inappropriate, noting that it demonstrated inconsistency in family protocols.
Amid this emotional turmoil, Harry faced logistical dilemmas of his own.
With commercial flights to Aberdeen wrapping up for the day, he was forced to consider alternative travel arrangements hastily.
Ultimately, he secured a charter flight from Luton two hours later, highlighting the sense of urgency surrounding this familial crisis.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson elaborated on the dynamics at play, noting that it seemed King Charles had imposed a directive upon Prince William as well—essentially suggesting that if Kate couldn’t attend, then Meghan should also be barred from the gathering.
Jobson described this as an inappropriate measure in the wake of significant family loss.
Consequently, this incident raises questions about the underlying tensions and unspoken rules that plague relationships within the royal fold, particularly between Harry and the rest of his family.
The incident not only reflects personal grief but also sheds light on the complex hierarchy and traditions that govern royal gatherings.
In a broader sense, Harry’s candidness about his interactions with Charles provides insight into how family dynamics can affect dealings during moments of profound sorrow.
His willingness to confront his father about the treatment of Meghan symbolizes the shifting allegiances and loyalties within the royal family.