Prince Harry is reportedly gearing up for a significant trip to the UK in May to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games at St Paul’s Cathedral.
However, there is uncertainty surrounding Meghan’s potential attendance at the event.
The commemorative service is scheduled for May 8th, just days after their son Archie’s 5th birthday celebration.
It remains unclear whether Archie and his younger sister Lilibet will join their father on this journey.
Sources close to the royal family revealed that Prince Harry intends to arrive in the UK on May 7th and stay at a discreet location, aiming to spend quality time with his extended family before heading back to California.
A source disclosed to New Magazine that the couple plans to host a birthday party for Archie at their Montecito residence on May 6th, followed by Harry’s departure on a private jet the next day.
Expressing his desire to attend the anniversary service and facilitate a reunion between his children and other family members, the Duke of Sussex is eager to strengthen familial bonds, especially in light of recent health challenges faced by King Charles and Princess Kate.
The insider shared that Harry envisions fostering closer relationships between Archie, Lilibet, and their cousins or friends’ children, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with their British roots.
Despite Harry’s eagerness to have the children accompany him, sources suggest that Meghan is hesitant to let them go, proposing a potential compromise involving another birthday celebration for Archie at a Royal Family Estate.
While this suggestion may appear as a public relations tactic, its feasibility remains uncertain.
Meghan’s apprehensions about returning to the UK stem from concerns about facing anxiety-inducing situations where she may feel unwelcome.
Meghan’s last visit to the UK dates back to September 2022 when she attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral alongside other members of the royal family.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan’s visits to the UK have been limited.
Notably, the couple faced a chilly reception during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, with crowds reportedly booing as they departed St Paul’s Cathedral after the National Service of Thanksgiving.
Speculations arose that Meghan opted out of joining Harry for King Charles’ coronation in May 2023 due to fears of encountering a similar hostile reception.
American news presenter Meghan Kelly suggested that Meghan refrained from accompanying Harry to avoid potential negative reactions.
The couple’s former residence, Frogmore Cottage, which was gifted to them by the Queen, was reclaimed by King Charles in January of the previous year, leading to their relocation to California.
Following their eviction from Frogmore, reports surfaced indicating that any future stays at royal residences would necessitate a private agreement between Harry, Meghan, and the monarchy.
As Prince Harry prepares for his upcoming trip to the UK, the dynamics surrounding his family’s involvement and Meghan’s reservations underscore the complexities of their transatlantic lifestyle.