In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a secret visit to Windsor Castle to meet with Queen Elizabeth. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s spokesperson confirmed the couple’s visit, stating that they met with the Queen and Prince Charles, who will be turning 96 next week.
This unexpected visit marks the first time the couple has visited the royal family together in two years, following a period of strained relations and public tension. The visit comes after the Queen’s recent health concerns, which led her to step back from public engagements, including the Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle.
The rift within the royal family became public knowledge after Harry and Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. During the interview, they made allegations of racism within the royal family, claiming that a member had expressed concerns about the skin color of their then-unborn child. These accusations sent shockwaves through the monarchy and deepened the divide between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the family.
This recent visit marks Harry’s third trip back to the UK since stepping down from royal duties. He previously returned for the funeral of his grandfather, Prince Philip, in April 2021 and again in July 2021 for the unveiling of a statue of his mother, Princess Diana, alongside his brother, Prince William.
However, Harry’s relationship with the Royal Family remained strained, and he did not return for Prince Philip’s memorial service in March 2022. This absence was attributed to an ongoing dispute with the British government over security arrangements for his family during their visits to the UK. Harry has expressed concerns about the safety of his family in Britain, further fueling speculation about the state of their relationship with the royal family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly arrived in the UK on Wednesday and stayed at their former home, Frogmore Cottage, on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Their low-key visit was briefly interrupted when they were spotted by a group of churchgoers on the castle grounds while attending the Maundy Thursday service.
While the couple’s children, two-year-old Archie and ten-month-old Lilibet, did not accompany them on this visit, their presence was felt. Notably, Lilibet is named after her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, a touching gesture that underscores the significance of family ties.
The unexpected visit has sparked speculation about a potential reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royal family. With the Queen’s 96th birthday approaching and the Platinum Jubilee celebrations scheduled for June, many are hoping this visit signifies a thawing in relations.
The Platinum Jubilee marks a historic milestone – 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne. It is an event of immense national importance, and the presence of all family members would be deeply symbolic. However, whether Harry and Meghan will return to the UK for these significant events remains uncertain.
