EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle did not join her husband Prince Harry for Prince Philip’s funeral – and some royal experts believe it was the right decision for the couple.
The Duke of Sussex touched on Monday in the UK for the first time since last year. The 36-year-old will join his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the British royal family on Saturday, April 17, for the funeral of his grandfather.
The Duke of Edinburgh died on Friday at the age of 99.
The Duchess of Sussex stayed behind in California. The 39-year-old, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child, was advised by her doctor not to attend. In November 2020, the former American actress revealed that she had a miscarriage in July of the same year and was admitted to the hospital.
MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY BONDED ON BEHALF OF NAME FROM PRINCE PHILIP’S FUNERAL, SOURCE CLAIMS
The Duchess of Sussex is currently expecting her second child.
(Photo by TOLGA AKMEN / AFP via Getty Images)
The couple’s second child, a baby girl, is due this summer.
“The pregnancy gave Meghan a very good reason not to be here, and I feel for her,” Nick Royalty co-founder of True Royalty TV told Fox News. “No matter what her decision is going to be, critics would have used it against her.”
The award-winning documentary has been making programs about the royal family for almost 20 years and has been working with Harry’s father, Prince Charles, for eight years.
According to Bullen, the former American actress would be allowed to travel overseas, he believes she would have been welcome despite the couple’s bombing interview with Oprah Winfrey which aired in March.
PRINCE HARRY QUARANTINE AT HIS AND MEGHAN MARKLE’S FROGMORE COTTAGE AHEAD OF PRINCE PHILIP’S FUNERAL
Prince Harry (left) is in the UK for the funeral of his grandfather Prince Philip (right).
(Getty Images)
“I think if she came back, I believe the family would be very welcome to her,” he explained. “The Queen made it very clear in her statement that Harry and Meghan are very beloved members of the royal family and that they are always welcome in their family. So I think she would have been welcome. All anyone wants now is for the damage that needs to be repaired and that everyone needs to move forward. ‘
Royal writer Leslie Carroll also feels that the former “Suits” star has made the best decision for the family.
“Meghan is damned if she does and damned if she does not, regardless of the subject,” Carroll said. ‘She’s obviously a few months pregnant, probably already in her second trimester. My understanding is [she’s staying behind] from an abundance of medical caution. She has been in labor for the past year and we are still in the midst of a pandemic. It would be wise for her to avoid the ordeal of international travel. ‘
Carroll is the author of seven books on the loves and lives of European royals. Recently she wrote ‘American Princess: The Love Story of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’. She said Markle did not have to be physically present at the funeral to support her husband.
MEGHAN MARKLE WILL NOT ATTEND PRINCE PHILIP’S FUNERAL, BUT PRINCE HARRY PLANS TO PALACE SAY
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex live in California.
(Photo by Toby Melville – WPA Pool / Getty Images)
“Harry has suffered so much loss that any reasonable person who shares the love he and Meghan share will realize that she can support and support him in his time of mourning for his grandfather, without physically standing by his side. the memorial service of the duke, ” she explained.
“The flamethrowers might want to imagine how a man like Harry could be emotionally devastated if Meghan took the risk of traveling with him and something happened to her health and / or that of the child she was carrying, their unborn daughter. “
In a statement from Harry previously obtained by Fox News, the royal tribute was paid to his beloved grandfather.
“My grandfather was a man of service, honor and great humor. He was genuine himself, with a serious sharp mind, and could hold the attention of any room because of his charm – and also because you never knew what he was. next would not say, “he began.
HOW PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON BREAKS THE NEWS OF PRINCE PHILIP’S DEATH TO THEIR CHILDREN: SOURCE
Prince Harry (left) and Prince William (right) paid tribute in honor of their late grandfather Prince Philip (center).
(AP Photo / Alastair Grant)
“He will be remembered as the longest-serving ruler for the Monarch, a decorated conscript, a prince and a duke. But for me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of the past year, he was my grandfather: master of the braai, a legend of jokes, and brutal to the end. ‘
Harry thanked his grandfather for his service, dedication and that he ‘was always yourself’.
“You will be greatly missed, but always remembered – by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always occupy a special place for you in our hearts,” the Duke concluded. . “‘Per Mare, Per Terram.'”
The palace confirmed the death of the Duke of Edinburgh on 9 April.
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In this June 8, 1948 file photo, the Duke of Edinburgh, alongside Princess Elizabeth, acknowledges the cheers of the crowd as the open Landau passes through Fleet Street on its way to the Guildhall in London. According to Buckingham Palace officials, Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died, was announced on April 9, 2021. He was 99 years old. Philip spent a month in hospital earlier this year before being released on March 16 to return to Windsor Castle. Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, married Elizabeth in 1947 and was the longest company in British history.
(AP)
“It is with sadness that Her Majesty the Queen announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the palace said in a statement. “The royal family is mourning his loss with people around the world.”
Elizabeth, 94, has entered a period of eight days of mourning and will not perform any royal duties.
Philip is survived by the Queen and their four children – Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – as well as eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.