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Meghan Markle’s Potential Absence at Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral Raises Eyebrows
Speculation is swirling about Meghan Markle's attendance at Queen Elizabeth II's upcoming funeral.
According to royal expert Shannon Felton-Spence, the Duchess of Sussex and her husband, Prince Harry, were already in Europe when the news of the Queen's passing broke on Thursday.
While Harry is expected to remain in the UK for the funeral, Meghan may opt to return to California to be with their young children, Archie and Lilibet.
Felton-Spence expressed her doubts about Meghan's presence, noting that she had initially planned to be away from her kids for only six days, not an extended period.
“I can't imagine Meghan won't attend,” she remarked, but added that the practicalities of family life might lead her to prioritize her children over royal duties.
Critics have not held back in their assessments of Meghan's potential attendance.
Some believe that her relationship with the late monarch was strained, suggesting that it would be disingenuous for her to publicly mourn a woman she allegedly held in contempt.
The sentiment among some royal watchers is that Meghan could be more focused on leveraging this moment for personal gain rather than genuinely honoring the Queen's legacy.
In the eyes of some commentators, Meghan is perceived as being on the fringes of the royal family, lacking the significance she once sought.
The question arises: what could she possibly gain from attending the funeral?
With her and Harry's status as non-working royals, the optics of their presence could be seen as inappropriate, especially during such a solemn occasion.
There's also speculation about the role of Netflix in this scenario.
The streaming giant may be pushing for content featuring the couple, but many wonder if the potential drama and fanfare surrounding their appearance would truly be worth the backlash.
The nature of the event calls for a somber atmosphere, not a celebrity spectacle.
Royal experts have emphasized the need for decorum during the funeral.
Meghan and Harry would likely find it challenging to control the narrative or the public's reception of them at such a significant event.
The gravity of the occasion may overshadow any attempts at self-promotion, leaving them with little room to maneuver.
As for Prince Harry, he faces a unique position.
This is his grandmother's funeral, and it's unlikely he would be excluded from attending.
However, just like at the recent Jubilee celebrations, he might find himself distanced from other senior royals due to established protocols.
This isn't necessarily a reflection of animosity; rather, it highlights the complexities of royal hierarchy.
Scheduled for September 17th at Westminster Abbey, the funeral will mark a pivotal moment in British history, coming just ten days after the Queen's death.
Details surrounding the event are still unfolding, and there remains a palpable sense of anticipation regarding how the royal family will navigate this transition.
Interestingly, Meghan's absence from Prince Philip's funeral last year was attributed to her pregnancy and medical advice against flying.
This adds another layer of complexity to her potential decision-making process regarding the Queen's funeral.
Royal expert Eloise Parker weighed in, noting that Prince William's responsibilities have significantly increased following the Queen's death and King Charles III's ascension to the throne.
The dynamics among the royal family members are shifting, and the expectations placed on them are evolving.