Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might be hurt by their exclusion from the royal family’s prestigious summer gathering at Balmoral Castle, but they’re reportedly not surprised. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who left royal life for the U.S. in 2020, have been sidelined from many royal events ever since. And it seems the rift with the British monarchy is only deepening.
The recent snub comes as a blow to Harry and Meghan, who have faced mounting challenges since their departure from royal duties. King Charles, who has been battling cancer, has seen Prince Archie only a handful of times and met Princess Lilibet just once, during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Yet, despite the king’s health struggles, it appears there’s little desire from his side to bridge the gap with the Sussexes.
“It doesn’t exactly shock Harry and Meghan that they’re not invited, considering they’re not even on speaking terms at this point, but it feels very much like a personal attack designed to hurt and embarrass them,” a source told Closer. This snub, the insider continued, feeds into the ongoing narrative of the Sussexes being cast as family outcasts—a narrative that could have real-world consequences for their public image and morale.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who worked closely with King Charles, commented on the situation. “If they have been snubbed, Harry and Meghan would not be too happy, they would find it hurtful. It would show that the relationship between the families has gone over the point of repair.” Despite this, Harrold assured that the King’s intentions towards his grandchildren remain positive, emphasizing that the royal family’s internal disputes should not affect the children.
With the snub impacting not only their emotional well-being but potentially their public standing, the Sussexes are reportedly considering a strategic response. “They’re now being forced to figure out a strategy to fight back,” a source noted, hinting at the possibility of Meghan going public with a tell-all to set the record straight and counteract the negative narrative.
Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla are enjoying their summer retreat at Balmoral, a tradition beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The stunning Scottish castle is a yearly escape for the royal family, where they partake in scenic walks, family cookouts, horse riding, and board games. This year, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children, are also joining in on the festivities. Other royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of York, and Zara and Mike Tindall, are expected to visit as well.
As the royal family continues its cherished traditions, the absence of Harry and Meghan underscores a growing divide that seems unlikely to mend anytime soon. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may have hoped for a reconciliation, but the current state of affairs suggests that the rift is far from healing.
