logo
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Source: Getty Images

Harry & Meghan Avoided 'Mutual Touch' after Reportedly Learning about Being 'Uninvited' from Reception from Press

Gaone Pule
Sep 21, 2022
06:05 P.M.
  • "Harry and Meghan got the invitation, and no one has told them they are uninvited."

  • Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tried to keep their distance to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

Advertisement

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have once again been snubbed by the Royal Family and found out by the media. An insider revealed the royal couple had no idea they were "uninvited" to a prestigious event at Buckingham Palace.

Per Page Six, multiple insiders disclosed that after reading press reports, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, discovered they were unwelcome at a state reception for world dignitaries.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak on stage at Global Citizen Live: New York on September 25, 2021 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak on stage at Global Citizen Live: New York on September 25, 2021 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

The royal couple received an invitation to the event on September 18, 2022. However, King Charles III's spokesperson revealed the invite was only extended to "working members of the royal family".

A royal insider disclosed that while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did receive an invitation, no one had informed them that they were no longer welcome:

Advertisement

"Harry and Meghan actually got the invitation, and no one has actually told them they are uninvited."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit One World Observatory on 102nd floor of Freedom Tower of World Trade Center on September 23, 2021 in New York, United States | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit One World Observatory on 102nd floor of Freedom Tower of World Trade Center on September 23, 2021 in New York, United States | Source: Getty Images

Another palace source revealed: "I'm told they only found out they were uninvited by reading press reports." The state reception had US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister, and French President Emmanuel Macron in attendance, among others.

King Charles and his wife, Camilla Queen Consort, hosted the event ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral on September 19, 2022.

Amid the mourning period, a source close to Prince Harry and Markle revealed the duo would keep a distance to avoid drawing attention to themselves. They were also reportedly keen to do whatever was requested of them by the Royal Family. However, that did not go according to plan as it has been said they broke royal protocols.

Advertisement

The Sussexes Received Mixed Reactions for Public Affection

Per Fox News, the royal couple's public affection after Her Majesty's lying-in-state service sparked mixed reactions from the public. The pair held hands while leaving Westminster Hall, while other royal couples involved in the procession did the opposite.

Royal expert, Shannon Spence, told the outlet that while the Sussexes' PDA was a "loving show of support" for the prince, the Royal Family was "on the job", regardless:

"While there are no formal 'rules' against PDA, we don't often see it from the royals because usually when we see them, they are on the job. They are presenting their most professional appearance."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey after the state funeral on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey after the state funeral on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Spence explained public affection displays are often seen from Royal Family members, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, at unofficial events, such as sports outings.

Regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's hand-holding at the funeral, social media users slammed Markle for the gesture, while others called her "supportive".

Days after the royal couple got criticized for the PDA, they ditched their signature public affection. The duo kept their distance throughout the Queen's funeral service at Westminster Abbey.

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk as procession with the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Westminster Hall for her lying in state, on September 14, 2022 in London, United Kingdom | Source: Getty Images

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk as procession with the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Westminster Hall for her lying in state, on September 14, 2022 in London, United Kingdom | Source: Getty Images

Per the Daily Mail, body language expert Katia Loisal explained that the change in the pair's behavior could have been a reaction following the backlash over their prominent public affection display.

Advertisement

When the Duke and Duchess participated in a procession behind Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte, they kept a "formal distance" while walking side-by-side.

Prince William, Prince George, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince William, Prince George, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Loisal told 7Life, via the Daily Mail, that many people in a procession walk with their arms by their side. However, Markle participated differently:

"A somber Meghan kept her head bowed, eyes downcast and hands clasped in front, in a self-protective gesture indicating a level of discomfort or uncertainty, and perhaps as a sign of respect."

She and her husband maintained their "rigid" formal distance once they sat down. However, once they left Westminster Abbey, the prince gave his wife's hand a "firm squeeze," said a fellow mourner who attended the funeral.

Advertisement
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle follow the bearer party with the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as it leaves Westminster Abbey for Wellington Arch on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle follow the bearer party with the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as it leaves Westminster Abbey for Wellington Arch on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

The guest, attorney Pranav Bhanot, revealed to People that he noticed that the Duke of Sussex was relatively "supportive" toward the Duchess of Sussex:

"When they went their separate directions after the ceremony, he gave her a firm squeeze of the hand. I felt he wanted to ensure she felt comfortable."

Bhanot added that sometime during the service, Prince Harry offered the mother of his kids "reassurance" while walking together before they went in different directions.

The Royal Couple Missed Their Kids & Wanted to Leave Instantly

Per the Daily Mail, the royal couple stayed at Windsor after reuniting with the Royal Family to mourn the Queen. Still, they were said to leave for America immediately after the monarch's funeral.

Advertisement

The pair had not seen their son and daughter, Archie and Lilibet, for nearly three weeks since they landed in the UK on September 3, 2022. They were expected to remain briefly in England, but that changed after the passing of Her Majesty.

The Duke had to cancel his appearance at the WellChild Awards in London upon learning that his grandmother's health had deteriorated and rushed to Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Sadly, he did not make it on time to see her before she died on September 8, 2022, at age 96.

Advertisement

Though Markle did not accompany him to go and see the sovereign on her deathbed, she was by his side during several official events over the 10-day mourning period, including the Queen's funeral.

Following the burial, an insider revealed to Us Weekly that the couple could not wait to see their young brood in California, adding the grieving period had been the "longest time" the pair had been away from their kids.

The source added that the Duke and Duchess missed their offspring terribly and FaceTimed them during their stay in the UK but could not wait to be reunited with them and "hold them again."

Advertisement

Per Express, Archie and Lilibet are believed to have been left in the care of their grandmother, Doria Ragland, during their parents' absence.

Prince Harry and Markle have not traveled with their children on any work trips since stepping down as senior royals in January 2020. The royal couple relocated to the US in late March 2020, days before officially leaving the Royal Family as its working members.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Give Their 2 Children, Archie & Lilibet, New Last Names

February 16, 2024

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Give Their 2 Children, Archie & Lilibet, New Last Names

February 19, 2024

Meghan Markle's Role in a New Advertising Campaign Ignites Online Buzz

December 20, 2023

Prince Harry Once Said He Wants His Father Back — Inside Their Relationship as Charles' Diagnosis Is Revealed

February 07, 2024

Meghan Markle Makes Bold Statement with New Alias in Freshly Launched Website

February 19, 2024

Meghan Markle Makes Bold Statement with New Alias in Freshly Launched Website

February 13, 2024

Meghan Markle Looks ‘Truly Happy & Relaxed’ Posing for New Portrait Shortly after Rebranding

February 14, 2024

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry No Longer Addressed as HRH amid Royal Title Backlash

February 16, 2024

Is There Still Hope for Prince Harry & Prince William's Relationship Years Into Their Rift?

February 14, 2024

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Receive Backlash for Using Their Titles on New Website — Details

February 13, 2024

Meghan Markle Scores New Deal for 'Record-Breaking' Project after Cutting Ties with Former Partner

February 14, 2024

Users Notice Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Looking Thinner During Their Skeleton Racing Outing: Photos

February 16, 2024

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Respond to Criticism with Defiance – Details

February 16, 2024

Inside Prince Harry’s $2K-an-Hour Luxe Suite He Chose over Staying with Family While Visiting Ailing Dad

February 09, 2024