Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s chances of spending Christmas with the royal family have been shattered, according to an expert.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly hoping for an invitation to join the Windsors at their traditional festive gathering at Sandringham.
However, their association with Omid Scobie and his new book, Endgame, which contains allegations of royal racism, has likely damaged their chances of reconciliation.
Pauline McLaren, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Research at Royal Holloway, University of London, expressed her doubts about the Sussexes receiving an invitation.
She stated that the fallout from Scobie’s book would hinder any possibility of a yuletide reunion.
The controversy surrounding Endgame has rekindled Meghan’s previous claim that an unnamed royal had expressed concerns about the skin color of her unborn son, Prince Archie.
While Prince Harry has since tried to downplay the accusation, stating that he does not believe the royal family is racist but may exhibit unconscious bias, Scobie’s book suggests that two royals questioned Archie’s skin color.
It is important to note that the Express is not disclosing the names of these two royals, as they are unable to defend themselves.
However, Piers Morgan mentioned their names on his talk show, and other media outlets followed suit.
This revelation has caused a stir in the UK.
In addition to the allegations in Endgame, the Sussexes faced criticism in the press after it was suggested that they would accept an invitation to spend Christmas at Sandringham.
Richard Eden, the Daily Mail diary editor, dismissed this as pathetic, questioning the manner in which the wish was expressed.
Speculation arose when reports emerged that the couple had spoken to King Charles on his 75th birthday, leading some to believe that it could be a potential olive branch for reconciliation.
However, Professor McLaren noted that before the release of Endgame, the Sussexes were attempting to distance themselves from the book, with reports stating that they had not contributed to its content.
It is understood that Harry and Meghan last spent Christmas with the royal family in 2018, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have yet to experience the festive occasion with the Windsors.
In 2017, Queen Elizabeth II made an exception to the royal rule, allowing the unmarried couple to attend Christmas at Sandringham.
The following year, they joined Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, after the birth of Prince Archie in 2019.
With the release of Endgame, the Sussexes may be concerned that any chance of restoring relations with the royal family could be spoiled.
As the holiday season approaches, it seems unlikely that Prince Harry and Meghan will be able to mend the rift and enjoy a Christmas reunion with the rest of the Windsors.