King Charles Reacts to Harry and Meghan’s Shocking Plan on Queen’s Death Day
On the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022, King Charles faced a challenging family situation. As the royal family gathered at Balmoral, he reached out to Princes William and Harry to travel north to be by their grandmother’s side.
King Charles’ Reaction to Meghan’s Plans
According to Tom Bower’s biography, “Betrayal,” King Charles expressed concern when he learned that Meghan intended to join Prince Harry on the trip to Balmoral. Charles reportedly found this proposal “unacceptable,” believing it would disappoint the Queen. Bower recounts that, overwhelmed with thoughts of his mother’s feelings, Charles called Harry again to voice his disapproval.
Underlying Tensions
Bower suggests that Charles’s anger stemmed from a belief that Meghan had previously disrespected the monarchy. The biography indicates that Meghan had declined several invitations from the Queen to visit Balmoral during her lifetime and felt unwelcome upon her death.
- Charles viewed sharing grief with Meghan, who criticized the monarchy, as unthinkable.
- Bower claims that Queen Elizabeth was shocked by Harry’s perceived disloyalty.
Responses from the Sussexes
The Sussexes’ spokesperson dismissed Bower’s claims as “deranged conspiracy and melodrama,” suggesting that the author has crossed the line from critique to obsession. In his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry reflects on the call from King Charles. He notes that his father’s justification for Meghan staying behind felt disrespectful and illogical.
Catherine and Harry’s Absence
Notably, Princess Catherine also did not accompany the family to Balmoral. Royal expert Russell Myers reported that she stayed behind in Windsor to support Prince George, Charlotte, and Louis, who were just starting school.
Ongoing Royal Family Pressures
King Charles’s alleged frustration during this period can be attributed to the intense scrutiny the royal family faced after Harry and Meghan’s departure and their interview with Oprah Winfrey. The pressure of losing his mother likely compounded these feelings.
Meghan has reportedly never been to Balmoral, citing geographic distance after relocating to the U.S. However, she attended the Queen’s funeral and expressed her admiration for her husband’s grandmother. A month after the Queen’s passing, Meghan spoke to Variety, stating, “I’m really grateful that I was able to be with my husband to support him, especially during that time.”
Reflecting on Queen Elizabeth’s leadership, Meghan declared, “Certainly, in terms of female leadership, she is the most shining example of what that looks like.”
