The ongoing saga of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s estrangement from the royal family shows no signs of resolution.
Recent discussions about the traditional summer gatherings at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, have notably excluded any mention of the couple, highlighting their prolonged absence from royal affairs.
Sources indicate that the duo has been effectively sidelined from family activities for several years now.
With the late Queen Elizabeth II’s approval, the royal family is set to reconvene in the picturesque Scottish Highlands for their annual summer retreat.
King Charles III, who has reportedly ceased communication with his estranged son, is preparing to join the festivities.
The last family gathering at Balmoral took place in September 2022, shortly before Queen Elizabeth passed away on the sprawling 50,000-acre estate.
Balmoral has long served as a sanctuary for the royals, a place where they can escape the relentless glare of public scrutiny.
During their time there, the family partakes in leisurely activities such as fishing, shooting, and horseback riding—an idyllic setting described by Margaret Rhodes, a cousin of the late Queen, as a “life of picnic.”
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to Montecito, California, Harry and Meghan have faced mounting tensions with the British royal family.
While Harry has fond memories of Balmoral from his youth, those days are overshadowed by current rifts and disputes.
It’s worth noting that Meghan has likely never visited the storied castle, further emphasizing the divide.
Despite Harry’s longing to return to the UK, he faces challenges, particularly regarding his security arrangements.
His children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have yet to visit their father’s homeland.
The last time Harry was in the UK was for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, but even then, the underlying tensions were palpable.
Reports suggest that Harry is eager to discuss his security concerns with King Charles, but an impenetrable silence hangs between them.
A friend of the Duke revealed that his attempts to reach out to his father have gone unanswered, a situation that continues to fracture their relationship.
Even inquiries about the King’s well-being have been met with silence, according to insiders.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are rumored to be gearing up for another international tour, following a successful trip to Nigeria earlier this year.
Although specific dates are still under wraps, Colombia has been mentioned as a likely destination, as confirmed by Francia Marquez, the Vice President of Colombia.
As the summer unfolds and the royal family gathers at Balmoral, many are left wondering about the future of Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the monarchy.