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GRUDGE MATCH: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turn down Prince Charles's Balmoral invitation

Prince Charles hasn't 'wavered' on his attempts to have a relationship with his son despite the 'attacks which seem to be coming with increased vigor'

BY JENNY ANNA MATHEW

UPDATED SEP 5, 2022

Prince Charles' open invitation to stay at his Scottish holiday house was declined by the Sussexes (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images; Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have reportedly declined Prince Charles' open invitation to stay at his Scottish holiday house on the Balmoral estates. It will be their first time in Britain since the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.

Apparently, Prince Charles felt the Sussexes staying with him would be a "good opportunity for everyone to take stock and relax." It is claimed Prince Charles is hurt by Harry and Meghan's continued 'painful' jibes toward the royal family. Sources say he is 'completely bewildered' by the couple's behavior after relations had been partly healed.

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The Meghan, Duchess of Sussex talks with Prince Charles at the Westminster Abbey Commonwealth day service on March 11, 2019 in London, England. Commonwealth Day has a special significance this year, as 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth, with old ties and new links enabling cooperation towards social, political and economic development which is both inclusive and sustainable. The Commonwealth represents a global network of 53 countries and almost 2.4 billion people, a third of the worlds population, of whom 60 percent are under 30 years old. Each year the Commonwealth adopts a theme upon which the Service is based. This years theme A Connected Commonwealth speaks of the practical value and global engagement made possible as a result of cooperation between the culturally diverse and widely dispersed family of nations, who work together in friendship and goodwill. The Commonwealths governments, institutions and people connect at many levels, including through parliaments and universities. They work together to protect the natural environment and the ocean which connects many Commonwealth nations, shore to shore. Cooperation on trade encourages inclusive economic empowerment for all people - particularly women, youth and marginalised communities. The Commonwealths friendly sporting rivalry encourages people to participate in sport for development and peace. — Prince Charles is 'completely bewildered' by Prince Harry and Meghan's behavior
(Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Harry and Meghan, who currently reside in California, are in the UK this week for two charity events. In an interview with 'The Cut,' Meghan claimed, "By existing, we were upsetting the dynamic of the hierarchy." She also said her husband had 'lost' his father after they left the UK for the United States. The Prince of Wales told the couple they were 'always welcome' at his home ahead of their trip to the UK, palace sources confirmed. Insiders told 'The Mirror', "Charles had thought the Sussexes staying with him would be a good opportunity for everyone to take stock and relax." "But the invitation was declined, as it has been before," the source said, adding that Prince Charles hasn't 'wavered' on his attempts to have a relationship with his son "despite the attacks which seem to be coming with increased vigor."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022 on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch's 70 years of service. — The couple will be traveling to Manchester where Meghan is due to give a speech on gender equality
(Matt Dunham - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The couple is traveling to Manchester where Meghan is due to give a speech on gender equality. They have asked private security firms to provide a ‘ring of steel’ for their appearance at the One Young World young leaders’ forum, amid a row over who pays for their protection on UK soil. "One would have thought if such concerns existed, the best place to be would be next to the family, but there you go," the palace insider said of their alleged safety worries. It is reported they will be staying at Frogmore Cottage, just a short walk from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s new home on the Windsor estate, but have no plans to see William, Kate and their children. The Sussexes are also understood to have made no arrangements to see the Queen, who is at her Balmoral estate.

Specialist dog teams were seen at the Bridgewater Hall, where Meghan will give her speech. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed its officers were not involved, adding that security for the event had been ‘privately sourced’ as Harry was told he was no longer entitled to taxpayer-funded police bodyguards.