EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle did not join her husband Prince Harry for Prince Philip’s funeral – and some royal pundits believe this was the right decision for the couple.
The Duke of Sussex landed in the UK for the first time since last year on Monday. The 36-year-old will join his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the British Royal Family for his grandfather’s funeral on Saturday, April 17.
The Duke of Edinburgh died on Friday at the age of 99.
The Duchess of Sussex stayed behind in California. The 39-year-old, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child, was advised by her doctor not to attend. In November 2020, the former American actress revealed that she miscarried and was hospitalized in July of that year.
MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY ARE CLOSE TO THE FUNERAL, SOURCE CLAIMS OF PRINCE PHILIP
The Duchess of Sussex is currently expecting her second child.
(Photo by TOLGA AKMEN / AFP via Getty Images)
The couple’s second child, a daughter, is expected this summer.
“The pregnancy has given Meghan a very real reason not to be here, and I feel for her,” Nick Bullen, co-founder of True Royalty TV, told Fox News. “Whatever her decision, critics would have used it against her.”
The award-winning documentary maker has been making programs about the royal family for nearly 20 years and has worked closely with Harry’s father Prince Charles for eight years.
Bullen said if the former American actress were allowed to travel abroad, he believes she would have been welcomed despite the couple’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey that aired in March.
QUARANTINE PRINCE HARRY IN HIS AND MEGHAN MARKLE’S FROGMORE STAY AT THE FORE OF PRINCE PHILIP’S FUNERAL
Prince Harry (left) is in the UK for the funeral of his grandfather Prince Philip (right).
(Getty Images)
“I think if she had come back I think the family would have been very welcome to her,” he explained. The Queen made it very clear in her statement that Harry and Meghan are very much loved members of the royal family and that they are always welcome into their family. So I think she would have been welcome again. to be repaired and for everyone to move forward. “
Royal writer Leslie Carroll also felt that the former “Suits” star had made the best decision for the family.
“Meghan is damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t, regardless of the topic,” said Carroll. She is clearly several months pregnant, well into her second trimester. I understood [she’s staying behind] from an abundance of medical caution. She has already miscarried in the last year and we are still in the middle of a pandemic. It would be wise if she avoided the ordeal of international travel. ‘
Carroll is the author of seven books on the loves and lives of European royalty. Most recently she wrote “American Princess: The Love Story of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.” She said that Markle does not need to be physically present at the funeral to show support for her husband.
MEGHAN MARKLE WILL NOT ATTEND PRINCE PHILIP’S FUNERAL BUT PRINCE HARRY PLANS TO PALACE SAYS
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex live in California.
(Photo by Toby Melville – WPA Pool / Getty Images)
Harry has already suffered so much loss that any reasonable person who understands the love he and Meghan share will recognize that she can and will support him in his time of mourning his grandfather, without physically standing next to him at the memorial service. of the duke, ”she explained.
The flamethrowers might want to imagine how emotionally a man like Harry could be ruined if Meghan risked traveling with him and something happened to her health and / or that of the child she is carrying – their unborn daughter. “
In a statement from Harry previously obtained by Fox News, the royal paid tribute to his beloved grandfather.
“My grandfather was a man of service, honor and great humor. He was an authentic himself, with a seriously astute sense, and could hold the attention of any room because of his charm – and also because you never knew what he would say next,” he started.
HOW PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON BRING THE NEWS OF PRINCE PHILIP’S DEATH TO THEIR CHILDREN: SOURCE
Prince Harry (left) and Prince William (right) have shared a personal tribute in honor of their late grandfather Prince Philip (center).
(AP Photo / Alastair Grant)
He will be remembered as the Monarch’s longest-reigning consort, a decorated soldier, a prince and a duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent through the pain of the past year, so was he. my grandfather: master of the barbecue, legend of chatter and cheek to the end. “
Harry thanked his grandfather for his service, dedication and for ‘always being yourself’.
“You will be sorely missed, but always remembered – by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts,” concluded the Duke. . “Per Mare, Per Terram.”
The palace confirmed the death of the Duke of Edinburgh on April 9.
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In this June 8, 1948 file photo, the Duke of Edinburgh sitting next to Princess Elizabeth acknowledges the cheers of the crowd as the open Landau runs down Fleet Street on its way to London’s Guildhall. Buckingham Palace officials say Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died, it was announced on Friday, April 9, 2021. He was 99. Earlier this year, Philip spent a month in the hospital before being released on March 16 to return to Windsor Castle. Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, married Elizabeth in 1947 and was the longest-serving consort in British history.
(AP)
“It is with deep sadness that Her Majesty the Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the palace said in a statement. “The Royal Family, along with people around the world, mourns his loss.”
Elizabeth, 94, has entered an eight-day mourning period and will not perform any royal duties.
Philip is survived by the Queen and their four children – Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – as well as eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.