First Photos of Meghan Markle since Prince Harry Left to See Ailing Dad Spark Heated Discussion

Recent photos of Meghan Markle have surfaced online since Prince Harry left to see his ailing dad. These images have sparked heated reactions from social media users.

The Duchess of Sussex has been spotted out and about for the first time since her husband caught a flight to London to visit King Charles III amid his cancer diagnosis. Pictures showed Meghan Markle flashing a smile as she drove around Montecito.

From what was seen, she opted for a comfy, casual look, which included sunglasses and a baseball cap. She also held a coffee mug in one of her hands.

Many people had a lot of strong opinions concerning Meghan's recent outing. One person asked and asserted, "Why does she do this when Harry is away?" Another expressed, "So predictable. Beyond pathetic."

Someone else remarked, "Smiling like a Cheshire Cat to hide the fact KC had barely 30 mins for Harry. If you believe some reports, it was more like 12 mins [...] that's pretty embarrassing. Actions have consequences!"

A social media user pondered, "She's happy Charles is ill?" Another asserted, "How embarrassing M, now we know why Harry went! PR stunt!" Someone else stated, "Exclusive woman smiles [knowing] her husband is safely coming back to her loving arms after being in a country where the media, reporters and self-appointed experts are being violent and vicious in speech and thoughts."

Other less negative comments focused on Prince Harry visiting his dad and someone also posted a comment in defense of Meghan. One person rhetorically questioned, "You want her to start mourning when the King is still alive? Na [...]!" Another person highlighted, "Harry did the right thing [seeing] his father after the cancer diagnosis. He is a great son."

Yesterday, a news outlet reported that Prince Harry was already en route back home from London. The Duke of Sussex had spent 24 hours in his homeland. He landed in London after 2 p.m. this past Tuesday, then went to see his father — as reported by a news source — for 45 minutes.

As previously reported on February 7:

While there has been tension between Prince Harry and his family since he moved to the US and left his post as a working senior royal, he still rushed home to be with his father amidst the King's cancer diagnosis. Meanwhile, his wife stayed in California with their kids.

According to the King's former butler, Meghan Markle's choice resulted from her thinking that being by the King's side was "something [Prince Harry] has to do alone."

His Majesty's former aide, Grant Harrold, said, "Meghan made the decision that it was best to stay home with the children, and maybe she feels that this is something Harry has got to do alone." He believes that the former actress played a role in encouraging Harry to go to London.

Meghan may still visit her father-in-law in the near future, royal experts believe. However, at the moment, she will be focusing on caring for her two children in California.

"I'm sure at some point they will bring the grandchildren over; that might be part of what's being discussed — an opportunity for them to come over as a family," Harrold added.

Meghan has said positive things about Harry's dad in the past, including the kindness he showed during their wedding. In her Netflix documentary, "Harry & Meghan," she revealed that King Charles' role in walking her down the aisle on her special day was very important, given her biological father's decision not to attend due to a paparazzi scandal and health issues.

The King also helped choose the song Meghan walked down the aisle to. Sadly, in years after, Meghan's relationship with the royal family did not flourish.

King Charles III's illness is undoubtedly a tragedy for the royal family. However, it may also be the very impetus their family needs to reunite again, following Harry's decision to step back from senior royal duties and move to a different country.

Royal expert Gareth Russell weighed in on the situation, noting that a grave illness such as Cancer is never taken lightly by the diagnosed patient's family members. Likely, ill feelings and differences in character are put aside.

As previously reported on February 6:

Prince Harry is returning to England to support his father, King Charles III, after the monarch's recent cancer diagnosis. The Duke of Sussex, aged 39, is scheduled to arrive in London on Monday, according to a confirmation from the office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Prince Harry has already been in contact with King Charles following his diagnosis. Still, it has been disclosed that Meghan Markle, Harry's wife, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will not accompany him on this trip to support his father through this health scare.

Royal staffers have kept Prince Harry updated on the 75-year-old King's health status, including the specifics of a recent prostate procedure. Prince Harry has previously shared his complex feelings surrounding family and duty. The King once asked his sons not to make the last years of his life "a misery" with the rift between them.

Harry has recounted instances from his past, including the profound impact of his grandfather's counsel at Windsor, where the elder statesman had settled.

Harry has also shared a bit about emotional moments he had with his brother, Prince William, and his late mother, Princess Diana, drawing poignant connections between his experiences and the responsibilities of his royal lineage.

As previously reported on February 5:

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles, following a recent health procedure, is now facing a new health challenge. Here are the details.

King Charles is confronting a new health challenge, following a recent procedure for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the 75-year-old monarch has been diagnosed with cancer. During the procedure for benign prostate enlargement, doctors discovered his cancer.

His Majesty has begun a regular treatment schedule and has been advised to postpone public-facing duties. He will, however, continue to handle state business and official paperwork as usual.

The King expressed his gratitude towards his medical team for their prompt intervention, made possible by his recent hospital visit. He remains optimistic about his treatment and aims to return to full public duties soon.

Charles has chosen to publicize his diagnosis to prevent speculation and hopes it will help increase public understanding of cancer. He is determined to assist others worldwide affected by the disease.

The public has rallied on social media to express support and well wishes for King Charles following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis. Comments like "Get well soon your Majesty, prayers for your recovery" underscore the concern and hope for the monarch's swift recuperation.

Voices from around the world are reaching out, with one user stating, "My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family." This sentiment reflects the global community's solidarity with the British royal family during this time.

As previously reported on January 30:

As a positive update on the health situation of the King of England, King Charles III has been discharged from The London Clinic. He walked out of the hospital, hand-in-hand with his beloved wife, Queen Camilla, on Monday afternoon.

The King spent three nights at the clinic, where he received care after undergoing prostate surgery. Footage showed the happy couple, dressed smartly, smiling at the cameras as His Majesty The King waved to the public before getting into their car.

Before King Charles III exited the hospital, Queen Camilla visited him a few times while he was still there. People who saw the video of the King leaving the hospital reacted differently. One person expressed, "He looks very thin."

Another said, "Looks very healthy. But he needs more rest. Hope he finds a quiet spot for a few weeks. Scotland would be perfect 👌😊," while a third social media user who was pleased by the King's appearance stated, "Impressed that His Majesty is walking so smoothly."

King Charles III's hospital release comes just after it was announced that the Princess of Wales also left The London Clinic and returned home, where she continues to recover from her abdominal surgery.

As we continue to follow this unfolding story, a look back at our previous article provides further insights into the Queen's unwavering support for her husband, the King, as previously reported on January 29:

Since his hospitalization, footage and pictures of Queen Camilla visiting her husband, King Charles III, have sparked online buzz. So far, the Queen has been seen visiting His Majesty The King three times.

Following his corrective surgery, King Charles III has been recovering at the same hospital where the Princess of Wales, Princess Catherine, is. During her first visit, a smiling Queen Camilla adorned a coat-like navy dress as she left the hospital and entered her car.

A video of her second visit showed her royal driver and security team escorting her from The London Clinic. She was dressed in a green and white ensemble. Many had differing opinions when social media users saw Queen Camilla during her visits.

One person felt strongly about Queen Camilla's visits being part of her obligation as the King's wife. They expressed, "These shouldn't be the news headline because it was her duty as his wife to visit the husband." Another asserted, "Camilla should say very short words concerning her husband. Bizarre." Someone else noted, "Her eyes aren't smiling."

Despite the judgemental opinions of some, others praised Queen Camilla and continued to send their well wishes to the King. One fan gushed, "The King is lucky to have such a devoted Queen by his side ❤️❤️❤️❤️."

Another wrote, "Well, I noticed she had a smile on her face. I hope all is well. Hope the King gets discharged soon." Someone else stated, "He has always been the love of her life and vice versa."

Before her recent trips to the hospital, Queen Camilla gave a quick update on how her beloved husband has been doing since his operation. In a TikTok video, she divulged, "He's fine, thank you very much. He's looking forward to getting back to work."

The 15-second-long video ends with the Queen walking away from the person who asked her how King Charles III was doing and showed her going to address a group of children.

As previously reported on January 26:

King Charles III and Princess of Wales Kate Middleton are facing health issues, leading to the postponement of their royal engagements. Kate underwent a planned abdominal surgery and will be in a London hospital for two weeks from January 16, 2024.

Both senior royals have had to reschedule their previously arranged public commitments in the coming weeks. Kate, married to Prince William, the heir to the throne, is expected to make a full recovery.

King Charles III was also set to undergo a corrective procedure on January 26, 2024. Buckingham Palace announced on January 17, 2024, that the procedure was for the King's enlarged prostate but that his condition was benign.

The King was photographed ahead of his planned operation on his way from Clarence House to a London clinic. He went into the same clinic where Kate underwent surgery and even passed by to visit his daughter-in-law. After he was admitted, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the King thanked all who sent him good wishes.

The public has sent love and prayers to the Princess and the King as they start their respective recovery journeys. "❤️‍🙏 to both," one person wrote. The public also wished the two a "speedy recovery." "Wishing King Charles and Princess Catherine a speedy recovery. God Save The King and Catherine of Wales," another person said.

The Princess and His Majesty's health updates were given to avoid speculation if they both fail to attend upcoming events or if some occasions are canceled. A spokesperson for King Charles III also announced the postponement of his public engagements during his recovery.

Several events on the royal family's agenda, including visits by foreign dignitaries and members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Cabinet to Dumfries House in Scotland, have already been rescheduled.

The Princess of Wales and the King are expected to recover fully and resume their public engagements. Still, as they recuperate, they can count on the public's well-wishes for a speedy recovery.