Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Finally Confirm Their Plans For The Queen's Jubilee
Every family has "that" relative: the one who starts fights, makes inappropriate remarks, or makes questionable life choices. It makes things awkward when it comes to big events like weddings. Do you invite them or not? Will they even show up, and will they cause trouble? Now multiply that by a thousand, and you have the ongoing situation between Prince Harry and the royal family. And the big event in question is Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebration in June.
For weeks, folks have wondered: Will Prince Harry snub the Jubilee? There were many indications that he might. He had already missed the memorial service for his paternal grandfather, Prince Philip, and some figured he would do the same now. His ongoing fight to get British government security for future UK visits suggested that he might be holding out until he felt it was safe (via Us Weekly). Some royal experts even tried to discourage the prince and his family from making the trip, saying they would only grab the focus away from The Queen. An editor from the Daily Mail flatly said that they should "stay away," adding, "What should be the wonderful celebrations of the Queen's amazing long reign, instead of becoming this saga of will-they-won't-they-come?"
The "saga" finally ended on May 6, with the official word coming through the Sussexes' spokesperson (via Harper's Bazaar). "Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are excited and honored to attend The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations this June with their children."
Queen Elizabeth will finally meet her namesake
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's attendance at The Queen's Platinum Jubilee will have some restrictions. During the Trooping the Colour ceremony — a military procession that dates back centuries — they will not join The Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and other relatives on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. A palace spokesperson announced that the queen was limiting the balcony privilege to "those members of the Royal Family who are currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of the Queen" (via People).
Despite that detail, the Sussexes' trip will be a memorable one. It will be only Meghan's second time back to the UK since she and Harry left royal life and moved to California. (The first time occurred just before the Invictus Games, when Meghan and Harry paid a surprise visit to the queen.) More significantly, it will be a long-awaited opportunity for the queen to meet her great-granddaughter, Lilibet Diana. The littlest Sussex, who turns one year old in June, is named for the queen's childhood nickname, via Town & Country. Of course, the queen will also be delighted to see Lili's 3-year-old brother, Archie, for the first time in person since he was a baby.
The big weekend might even help heal the big royal rift. The queen was the one who insisted Harry meet with Charles during his Invictus visit, according to the Daily Mail. Perhaps Her Majesty will continue to play peacemaker, even as she celebrates her historic reign.