As the 75th birthday of King Charles approaches on November 14, speculation mounts over whether he will extend an invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the milestone celebration. The impending event comes amid strained relations between the royal family and the Sussexes, with observers wondering if the occasion could serve as a potential olive branch or exacerbate existing tensions.
The dynamics between King Charles and the Sussexes have been under scrutiny for the past 18 months, following the couple’s explosive revelations in their March 2022 Oprah interview and Prince Harry’s revealing memoir “Spare.” The question now is whether the upcoming birthday celebration will provide an opportunity for reconciliation or underscore the complex dynamics that have unfolded.
Royal insiders have indicated that King Charles extended invitations to both Harry and Meghan for his Coronation in May of this year. However, only Prince Harry attended the event, which coincided with his son Archie’s fourth birthday. With the monarch’s 75th birthday on the horizon, the question of whether the Sussexes will receive an invitation is a topic of speculation.
Renowned royal expert Angela Levin has weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the King may want “all his family” around him for the milestone occasion, including his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet. Despite this, Levin hints that any hope for an apology from Harry and Meghan might be met with a cool reception. She points out that while an invitation might be extended, any intention of seeking an apology could potentially result in dismissal.
The potential inclusion of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the birthday celebrations comes on the heels of their reported absence from the King’s official birthday parade in June. While senior royals turned out for the Trooping the Colour parade, the Sussexes were notably absent, further underscoring the current dynamics within the royal family.
Over the last 18 months, there have been notable occasions within the realm of royalty, encompassing events of great importance such as the Platinum Jubilee and the Queen’s State Funeral, both of which were graced by the presence of Harry and Meghan.
However, the couple has largely refrained from making official appearances at such gatherings, contributing to the ongoing speculation surrounding their relationship with the royal family.
As the King’s birthday approaches, the decision to invite or exclude Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has become a focal point of discussion. While some hope for a reconciliatory gesture, others suggest that the occasion may be a more private affair, focusing on familial unity rather than extravagant festivities.
With tensions still palpable and emotions running high, the King’s 75th birthday stands as a symbolic juncture, reflecting the intricate dynamics that define the current state of the royal family. Whether the occasion serves to mend bridges or further widen the gap remains to be seen.