Princess Kate, Prince William and Kensington Palace Breathe a Collective Sigh of 'Relief' as Meghan Markle Opts Out of U.K. Visit
Kensington Palace, along with Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, is said to be "relieved" that Meghan Markle did not accompany Prince Harry to the U.K. Royal author Tom Quinn told an outlet that the future king and queen's base breathed a "sigh of relief" when the ex-actress was not seen disembarking from a plane.
There was also much anticipation for another meeting between father and younger son. "It's clear he is keen to see his father as he continues his recovery, and most people expect another reunion of some kind next week," a royal source dished during the run-up to the visit.
Even with this news building hype, it was revealed upon his arrival that Harry would not meet with his ailing dad after all. This is said to be due to His Majesty's "full program" of events and engagements. The monarch, who has resumed some of his public duties, will host his first Buckingham Palace Garden Party of the season on Wednesday, May 8. All of the King's work coincides with Harry's, which is said to prevent any kind of visit.
Following the fiery-haired Duke's journey in the U.K., he and Meghan are rumored to be immediately launching a visit to Nigeria. Social media is buzzing with excitement, with Sussex fans expressing their overwhelming joy and pledging a warm reception for the couple during their stay in the country. This visit comes on the heels of Meghan's revelation two years ago, where she disclosed that a genealogy test she underwent "a couple of years" prior showed she has Nigerian heritage, comprising around 43 percent.
The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff extended the invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during his encounter with Harry at the recent Invictus Games in Düsseldorf last September.
On X, one user couldn't contain their delight about the upcoming visit, expressing, "Harry and Meghan are headed to Nigeria in May! We're eagerly awaiting their arrival! It's a special moment as our dear sis returns home for the first time. We've been eagerly anticipating this since she discovered her roots."
The fifth in line to the throne has returned to his father's kingdom to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, which showcase the athletic prowess of wounded and injured service men and women, including both active-duty members and veterans. A service of thanksgiving is scheduled to take place at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. During the service, Prince Harry is set to deliver a reading, while actor Damian Lewis will recite a poem.
As of now, no other senior royals have been officially confirmed as attendees for the service. King Charles and Prince William will not be present, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, is currently undergoing cancer treatment, making her unable to attend.
The Blast reported on Quinn's opinions.