In a revealing account of the royal family's dynamics during Queen Elizabeth II's last days, a new royal biography uncovers the intricate reasons behind Meghan Markle's nonattendance at Balmoral.
A Moment of Mourning and Decision
As the United Kingdom mourned the passing of its longest-reigning monarch on September 8, 2022, the royal family found itself at the center of a delicate situation.
According to Express, Reports initially indicated that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was requested to stay away, while Prince Harry visited his grandmother alone. However, the truth, as unveiled in Robert Hardman's book "Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story," tells a different narrative.
While it was believed that Princess Kate was also asked to remain behind, the biography clarifies that her decision to stay in England was self-made, driven by the need to support her children as they started at a new school. This decision inadvertently provided a pretext to request Prince Harry's solo presence at Balmoral, smoothing over what could have been a tense situation.
The relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry appeared strained during this period. Despite the Sussexes being in the UK and Harry's attempts to coordinate travel plans with his brother, there was a notable lack of direct communication, underscoring the depth of the rift between them.
The Call That Changed Everything
Prince Harry's recollection in his memoir "Spare" of receiving a call from his father, King Charles III, about the Queen's deteriorating health is poignant. Charles's subsequent request for Harry to come alone to Balmoral was laden with apprehension, knowing the Sussexes' sensitivity to such matters. This conversation, later detailed in Harry's memoir, highlights the ongoing tension and the complexity of family dynamics in times of crisis.
In a touching revelation, the Queen's final moments are described as peaceful. Sir Edward Young, the Queen's senior staff member, noted in a historic memo that she "slipped away" in her sleep, unaware and pain-free. This memo, now part of the Royal Archives, offers a solemn and dignified account of the monarch's last moments.
