HARRY AND MEGHAN FACE AN AWKWARD ROYAL FAMILY SNUB
PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE MAY BE MOVING BACK TO BRITAIN — BUT THEIR RETURN DOES NOT GUARANTEE A PLACE AT SANDRINGHAM, WITH CHRISTMAS INVITATIONS STILL IN THE KING’S HANDS.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s reported return to the UK could bring them closer to the Royal Family — but it may not mean they automatically return to the family’s most cherished gatherings.
Despite plans to establish a home outside London and send Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to British schools, the Sussexes are reportedly not guaranteed invitations to Christmas at Sandringham or the Royal Family’s summer gathering at Balmoral.
According to a report in The Telegraph, such events are reserved for those personally invited by the King, meaning Harry and Meghan’s attendance would ultimately depend on King Charles.
A source reportedly warned that it is “way too early” to know whether the Sussex family will be included in public family gatherings once they are based in Britain.
What is already understood, however, is that they will not attend official royal events.
The move nevertheless appears to have pleased Charles on a personal level. The Times reported that the King is naturally pleased by the prospect of being able to see his younger son and grandchildren more regularly — but his priority remains the future of the monarchy.
Charles is also reportedly determined that Harry and Meghan’s return will not alter the work of the institution.
And there are other significant boundaries in place.
The King is not expected to provide the Sussexes with accommodation, while there are reportedly no plans for taxpayer-funded armed police protection for the couple.
Meanwhile, Archie and Lilibet are expected to begin their new schools in early September, with no photographs of them starting school expected to be released.
So while Harry and Meghan may be heading back to Britain, their return to royal family life appears far less certain — and a Sandringham Christmas invitation is anything but guaranteed.
