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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royal family at Balmoral this summer, despite King Charles’ desire to spend time with his grandchildren. According to a well-placed source quoted by Daily Express, the guest list for the August gathering excludes the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to maintain peace for the cancer-stricken monarch and Kate Middleton.
“Harry and Meghan will not be joining the rest of the Royal Family in August,” said the source. “The King is keen for it to be a happy family occasion which will see members of the Royal Family come together for just over a week to discuss plans for the future and to unwind.”
The insider also noted that while the Sussexes will not be part of this meeting, it is possible that Charles will meet Harry and Meghan once Queen Camilla and the rest of the royal family have left.
The exclusion of Harry and Meghan is also an effort to provide a “quieter break” for family members who have had a “difficult year.” Earlier this year, Charles was diagnosed with cancer, and a month later, the Princess of Wales also shared an update regarding her own cancer diagnosis.
The Prince of Wales, who is estranged from his younger brother Harry, has had an especially challenging time, filling in for two senior royals while also caring for his family. The royal family’s decision to exclude the Sussexes from the Balmoral gathering underscores the ongoing tensions within the family. However, it also reflects King Charles’ priority to ensure a peaceful and supportive environment for the members of the family dealing with personal health battles.
The gathering at Balmoral is intended to be a time for the family to come together, relax, and plan for the future. By excluding Harry and Meghan, the King hopes to create a serene atmosphere free from the strains that have characterized recent family interactions.
While the absence of the Sussexes will be notable, the possibility of a separate meeting between Charles and his son Harry suggests that efforts are still being made to maintain some level of connection. This approach aims to balance the need for family unity with the realities of the current strained relationships.
