Real reason Meghan Markle is skipping Prince Philip's funeral: She wants to avoid being center of attention
Despite accusing the royal family of racism and alleging that their treatment drove her to have suicidal thoughts in a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey last month, it seems that Meghan Markle is letting bygones be bygones in the light of Prince Philip's death last on Friday, April 9.
The Duchess of Sussex did not joined her husband who flew to the United Kingdom to attend Prince Phillip's funeral. But her friends have made clear in an interview with the Daily Mail that her absence is not because she harbors any grudges toward the monarchy. On the contrary, Meghan Markle reportedly wants Prince Harry to mend fences with his family while at home for the somber event.
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Meghan wants the royal family to 'unite as one'
"Meghan said it's during these times when family should come together, put their differences aside and unite as one. She said this is what Prince Philip would want and that she's willing to forgive and move forward," a source told the outlet. "Meghan said this is the opportune time for [Harry] to mend his relationship with his brother and his dad. She doesn't need to be there for that," the informant added.
In addition, Meghan is also not worried about the Queen being upset about her not attending the memorial. "She said the Queen understands her absence and would want her to stay safe and healthy for the baby," the friend added.
Meanwhile, she and Harry reached out to Queen Elizabeth to express their condolences on the tragic demise of Prince Philip soon after the Duke of Edinburgh's passing. The Duchess of Sussex contacted the 94-year-old monarch to express her sympathies. “Meghan and Harry have already spoken to the Queen to express their sympathies," a source told US Weekly.
Harry did not want pregnant Meghan to fly
Meghan Markle did not join Prince Harry when he flew overseas for his grandfather's service as she is heavily pregnant with her second child -- a daughter -- and doctors have advised her against flying this late into her pregnancy. Sources said that the decision of whether she would attend Prince Philip's funeral was made by Prince Harry as she wanted to show her support by allowing her husband to make this important decision for her. "Meghan said her main concern right now is supporting Harry. She said she left it up to him as to whether or not she would attend the funeral," the insider stated.
Harry was seen arriving at Heathrow airport on Monday, April 11 morning ahead of his grandfather's funeral on Saturday, April 17. “He landed at Heathrow today. I saw him getting into an escorted car," an eyewitness said. HELLO! magazine has confirmed that instead of Nottingham Cottage, his first marital home with Meghan on the Kensington Palace grounds, Harry has chosen to quarantine at Frogmore Cottage instead, where he is following all Covid-19 protocols.
The current quarantine time for travelers to the UK is 10 days. However, Harry will be allowed to attend the funeral on "compassionate" grounds. The rule on the government's website says, “You can leave your place of self-isolation in limited circumstances, including on compassionate grounds. This includes attending a funeral of a household member, a close family member or a friend (if neither household member or close family member can attend the funeral). You must continue to self-isolate at all other times.”
Harry's heartwarming tribute to Prince Philip
After going back to his roots for the first time in more than a year, Harry released a heartwarming statement paying tribute to Prince Philip. The former members of the royal family said he and his family would always hold a "special place for you in our hearts". He added: "He will be remembered as the longest-reigning consort to the monarch, a decorated serviceman, a prince and a duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky, right till the end."
"He has been a rock for Her Majesty The Queen with unparalleled devotion, by her side for 73 years of marriage, and while I could go on, I know that right now he would say to all of us, beer in hand, 'Oh do get on with it!"' the statement concluded.