Meghan Markle travelled to the UK in July, although was not pictured in public(Image: Getty Images)
Prince Harry will be heading to the UK again next year for one of his most beloved events – the Invictus Games in Birmingham.
And just weeks after the tournament, it will be the 30th anniversary of the death of his mother, the late Princess Diana. And while these two events are important dates for the Duke of Sussex, many royal watchers have started to wonder if Meghan Markle will join Harry in his home country for the milestones.
The 2027 Invictus Games will take place in Birmingham next July, while the anniversary of Diana’s death falls on August 31. It is unclear what events might take place for the anniversary, but it could be that Harry may make the journey for the poignant anniversary.
Meghan may head to the UK with Harry next year (Image: Jonathan Brady/Pool PA via AP)
As for Meghan, she has accompanied Harry to many previous Invictus Games ceremonies around the world, and is often seen by her husband’s side for major events in both his personal and professional life.
But according to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, Meghan is no doubt destined to be subject to scrutiny if she returns to the UK, no matter the nature of her visit.
Jennie said: “There’s no getting away from the fact that Meghan sharply divides opinion in this country. Her critics and her fans are equally vocal and passionate. I’m sure she’s aware that some, probably many, people in the UK blame her for Harry‘s estrangement from his family.
“So she will know that any public appearances at the Invictus Games or to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death will risk drawing criticism in some quarters.”
The couple on a trip to New York in 2022(Image: AP)
Last month, Meghan joined Harry for part of his five-day visit to England – in which he marked the official one year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games – but was not pictured or seen in public.
With their children Archie and Lilibet in tow, the Sussexes spent time at Diana’s ancestral home of Althorp House, and reunited with King Charles and Queen Camilla for a private family meeting at Highgrove. It was the first time the monarch had seen his grandchildren since 2022.
And Jennie believes because of this, she would be surprised if Meghan opts out of attending the events in the UK next year.
Harry and Meghan during the Invictus Games in 2022(Image: ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
“She was clearly prepared to join Harry at some events this year – before the latest security row blew up – so there’s every prospect of her joining him at the Games next year,” Jennie said. “In fact, it would be rather odd if she didn’t as it has become something they always do together.
“I hope she can do so without people laying into her. She’s Harry‘s wife, he loves her and will want her there and she’s very popular amongst the Invictus community.”
After their trip to the UK in July, Meghan posted a series of photos to her Instagram from their family visit, including photos from Althorp House, leading Jennie to believe she would not miss attending such a meaningful anniversary with Harry.
The royal expert said: “I’m sure he would also want Meghan to be at his side if he takes part in any commemoration of his mother’s death. We know that he has taken her at least twice to visit Diana’s grave – and Meghan chose to post a picture of the most recent visit, last month, on her social media, provoking quite a lot of criticism.”
Meghan Markle shared images of her family visiting Althorp(Image: Meghan/Instagram)
Meghan shared 12 photos from the family’s trip to Portugal and the UK (Image: Meghan/Instagram)
She added: “And it would be a whole lot more difficult if William and Catherine were at the same commemorative event. However, I think it’s unlikely at this stage that William and Harry – with or without their wives – will agree to attend any events together.”
Jennie believes that Meghan is aware of her standing with the UK public, as she has long been subject to much scrutiny during her rare trips to British shores. However, she said that the Duchess has built a thick skin when it comes to comments online, and would not let that stand in the way of supporting her husband when he needs it most.
“Meghan is a social media enthusiast: it seems to be a big part of her life and a vital part of her business ventures,” Jennie said. “She’s not daft and she knows what comes with social media: and that’s a lot of scrutiny and a lot of trolling. So we have to assume that she is tough enough to take that kind of criticism and that it is a price she would be willing to pay if she chooses to come to the UK.”
