Prince Philip funeral: Queen said she 'understands' why pregnant Meghan Markle is not coming, claims insider
Queen Elizabeth II has broken her silence about Meghan Markle not flying to the UK to attend Prince Philip's funeral. The Queen reportedly told Meghan that she 'understands' why the Duchess of Sussex did not fly with Prince Harry to the UK for the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, says Daily Mail. Earlier, it was revealed that she wanted to attend the service but was advised against the 10-hour-long flight by her physician.
Meghan, who is currently six months pregnant with a girl child, is staying back at the couple's luxury mansion in Los Angeles with their one-year son Archie. Meanwhile, Prince Harry, who has arrived in the UK, is presently quarantining for five days at Frogmore Cottage before attending the funeral service at St George's Chapel.
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The real reason why Meghan is not attending the funeral
Meghan and Harry earned severe backlash from the British media following their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, where Meghan alleged that she faced racism and alienation by the royal family. After Prince Philip's death on April 9, 2021, speculations were rife about Meghan's present relationship with the royal family.
When it was announced that Meghan would not be accompanying Prince Harry to the UK for the funeral, it was claimed that the Duchess of Sussex is skipping the event to avoid being 'the center of attention'. However, in an interview with Daily Mail, Meghan's friends clarified that she did not harbor any grudge toward the royals. Rather, she wanted to let Harry mend his relationship with his father and brother and reunite as a family putting aside their differences.
"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," an insider source told the outlet.They added, "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."
What did the Queen tell Meghan?
After Prince Philip's demise, Meghan and Harry spoke to the Queen directly to extend their sympathies. But, Meghan was reportedly not worried about the Queen being upset over her absence at the funeral. Her friend told Daily Mail, "She said the Queen understands her absence and would want her to stay safe and healthy for the baby."
The insider also added that Meghan's mother Doria is 'adamant' that her daughter not travel while pregnant. "Doria insisted that Meghan stay behind and support Harry from afar. Like Harry, Doria is very protective of Meghan and doesn't want to see her putting her own health at risk. Stress is the last thing Meghan needs right now," said the insider.
Harry returned to the UK ahead of April 17 funeral. This will be his first trip since March 2020 when he moved to Canada and will be the first opportunity to reunite with Prince William and his father Prince Charles, who is said to be 'looking forward' to a reunion with his son.
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