However, commentator Anna McGovern has suggested that the couple may take the day and make it primarily about themselves. Traditionally, many members of the royal family spend their summers at the Balmoral estate, a practice Queen Elizabeth herself followed.
However, it appears that the Sussexes have not received an invitation this year. Anna McGovern opines that if Meghan and Harry do indeed center the day around themselves, it would miss the point of the occasion, which should be a solemn tribute to the late Queen. She also anticipates that the media will seize upon any such move, potentially overshadowing the official events held by the Royals.
In the midst of these speculations, it's noteworthy that Prince Harry is scheduled to fly from California to London for an event hosted by the charity WellChild. This event celebrates the achievements and resilience of seriously ill children and is strategically planned just a day before the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's passing on September 8th. This timing aligns with the start of the Invictus Games on September 9th.
While the royal family is not hosting any public events on the 8th and intends to spend the day at Balmoral, Prince Harry's decision to attend the WellChild event in London suggests a purposeful response to the Wellses' announced plans. On the same day, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, will visit Saint David's Cathedral, where they will lead tributes to the late Queen. William is expected to pay homage to Queen Elizabeth's life and legacy while looking towards the future.
Despite the poignant significance of the date, it is evident that relations between Harry, his brother William, and his father Charles remain strained. Recent reports indicate that Harry may have requested a meeting with his family, but it was reportedly made conditional on Meghan's attendance, similar to the circumstances surrounding the late Queen's funeral. The uncertainty surrounding this potential meeting reflects the ongoing challenges within the royal family.
Regardless of the Sussexes' actions, it appears that the British royal family will maintain a distance from them, refraining from public acknowledgments or inclusion in their mourning activities.
