The announcement of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis has drawn attention from across the world, with many closely observing how the British royal family has responded to this personal and emotional challenge. While several members of the royal family have offered their support, Meghan Markle’s absence from Prince Harry’s visit to see his father has sparked curiosity and speculation.
Now, former royal butler Grant Harrold has shared insights into why the Duchess of Sussex chose not to travel to the UK, explaining that her decision was a deliberate one and that this was a journey Prince Harry needed to make alone.
King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis and Public Response
On February 5, 2024, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate. While palace officials clarified that it was not prostate cancer, they have chosen to keep further details about the diagnosis private.
Despite the serious nature of the situation, King Charles has expressed optimism and gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from the public and international leaders. The King has also continued to fulfill his royal duties while undergoing regular outpatient treatments.
Prince Harry’s Swift Visit to the UK
Following the King’s personal phone call to inform his son of his condition, Prince Harry wasted no time in traveling to London. His visit marked a rare return to the UK, as he and Meghan have largely remained in California since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
However, Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, did not accompany him. A photograph of Prince Harry arriving at Clarence House, the King’s London residence, showed him alone in a black SUV, leading to widespread speculation about Meghan’s absence.
Why Meghan Markle Did Not Travel to the UK
Grant Harrold’s Explanation: A Personal Journey for Harry
According to Grant Harrold, who served King Charles for seven years when he was the Prince of Wales, Meghan’s decision was carefully considered. He believes Meghan felt it was best for Harry to make this visit on his own, allowing him to focus entirely on his father.
“Meghan made the decision to stay home with the children, and maybe she feels that this is something Harry has got to do alone,” Harrold explained.
He also suggested that Meghan could potentially visit the UK later, depending on how the situation develops.
A Complicated History with the Royal Family
Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, Meghan and Harry have had a strained relationship with the British royal family. Their departure was fueled by their struggles with constant media scrutiny, lack of institutional support, and a desire for financial and personal independence.
In the Netflix documentary “Harry & Meghan”, Meghan described life within the royal family as deeply restrictive, stating that even something as simple as texting friends had become difficult.
In their interview with Oprah Winfrey, both Meghan and Harry revealed details of their experiences with the royal institution, including:
- Feeling unsupported by the monarchy while facing relentless negative press.
- Discussions about their son Archie’s skin color, which raised concerns about potential racial bias.
- Meghan’s struggles with mental health, where she admitted experiencing feelings of isolation and distress.
Given this history, it is understandable why Meghan may have chosen not to return to the UK, even for such a serious family matter.
Angela Levin’s Perspective: Meghan May Have Reservations
Royal commentator Angela Levin has another perspective on Meghan’s absence. She speculates that Meghan might not be entirely supportive of Harry rebuilding his relationship with the royal family.
“Harry is caught in a difficult position—between possibly upsetting Meghan or his father,” Levin stated. She added that she does not believe Meghan would be comfortable with a reconciliation between Harry and the royal family.
“I don’t think that will happen because Meghan will not let him,” she remarked.
Omid Scobie: Meghan and Charles Still Communicate
On the other hand, royal expert Omid Scobie suggests that the relationship between King Charles, Harry, and Meghan is not as distant as it may seem.
In his book “Endgame,” Scobie claims that Meghan regularly sends updates about Archie and Lilibet to King Charles through an aide, indicating that there is still an ongoing line of communication.
“There is more warmth between Harry, Meghan, and Charles than with other members of the royal family,” Scobie noted.
Prince Harry’s Role in the Royal Family Today
Although Harry no longer has an official royal role, his visit to see his father was a significant gesture, showing that family ties still hold importance despite past conflicts.
The last time Harry was seen publicly engaging with the royal family was at King Charles’ coronation in May 2023. He attended the ceremony at Westminster Abbey but did not participate in any balcony appearances or formal engagements. Meghan and their children remained in California.
Since leaving the UK, Harry’s visits have been infrequent, with many of his interactions with the family occurring through private channels.
Could Meghan Join Harry in the UK Later?
Although Meghan did not accompany Harry on this trip, there is still a possibility that she could visit the UK if King Charles’ condition requires extended care.
Several factors could influence her decision:
- King Charles’ Health Progress: If his condition worsens, Meghan may feel compelled to visit.
- Harry’s Relationship with the Royal Family: If his bond with his father improves, Meghan may consider a return under more positive circumstances.
- Security and Privacy Concerns: Meghan has previously expressed concerns about her safety in the UK, which may factor into any future travel plans.
Conclusion: A Personal Decision Amid Family Tensions
Meghan Markle’s decision not to accompany Prince Harry to visit King Charles was likely influenced by multiple factors, including their complex history with the royal family, ongoing tensions, and a desire to allow Harry to navigate this situation on his own.
While some view her absence as a sign of ongoing estrangement, others see it as a thoughtful choice that respects Harry’s personal journey. As King Charles continues his treatment, only time will tell whether this moment will serve as a turning point for family reconciliation or further distance.
Regardless of the speculation, one thing remains clear—family matters are always deeply personal, even within the most public of institutions.
