According to a renowned royal biographer, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were seething with fury after their demands for a major royal event were swiftly dismissed by the palace. The event in question was the platinum jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which commemorated her remarkable 70-year reign on the throne. The author, Tom Bower, asserts that it was the couple's recent signing with Netflix that prompted them to make certain demands regarding their participation in the platinum jubilee celebrations.
In his book titled "Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors," Bower reveals that the Sussexes were left simmering with anger when the palace turned down all of their requests for the jubilee weekend. Despite flying to the Netherlands for the Invictus Games in April 2022, their fury over the palace's refusal to grant them a prominent role at the jubilee still lingered. The couple had hoped that fulfilling certain demands would result in them returning to Britain with their children for the event.
Bower further details in his book that Prince Charles, at the time, preferred that since Meghan and Harry were private citizens, they would not join the rest of the family on the balcony or ride in a royal carriage during the platinum jubilee. In an attempt to secure a prominent role, Harry reportedly asked if he could visit the Queen at Windsor. However, the Queen insisted that he first visit his father, Charles, and Camilla before meeting with her. The situation reportedly caused tension, and although they eventually met with the Queen, the issue of their appearance on the balcony remained unresolved.
Additionally, it is mentioned that the couple and their entourage underwent thorough security checks for cameras, microphones, and other electronic devices. Ultimately, Meghan and Harry maintained a low profile throughout the weekend. While they attended the Trooping the Colour parade, they watched from the Major General's office, as non-working members of the royal family were not invited to partake in the traditional balcony appearance. The following day, the Sussexes made their first official UK public appearance since stepping back as senior members of the royal family, attending the national service of Thanksgiving honoring the Queen at St. Paul's Cathedral.
The author, Tom Bower, also reveals a significant comment made by the late Queen when she was informed that Meghan Markle would not be attending Prince Philip's funeral. The timing of Philip's death came at a difficult juncture for the royal family, as it was just one month after Meghan and Harry's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, during which they made various shocking allegations about the institution. These allegations included claims of speculation about their child's skin color and an allegation that Princess Kate had made Meghan cry before their wedding. The strained relations between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the family led to speculation about Meghan's attendance at the funeral. Ultimately, Meghan, who was pregnant with their second child at the time, decided to stay in California while Harry traveled to London alone.
In his book, Bower states that the Queen expressed relief upon learning that Meghan would not be present at the funeral, simply stating, "Thank goodness."
