Royal Snub: Princess Anne’s Bold Move Leaves Meghan Markle Fuming Over Gillies Ball Invitation

As the British royal family gears up for the much-anticipated coronation of King Charles, whispers of exciting news are circulating among royal insiders.

The Gillies Ball, a cherished tradition, is set to return this year, much to the delight of royal watchers everywhere.

Scheduled to take place after the coronation, this annual celebration promises to be a highlight of the royal calendar.

This year's Gillies Ball will be hosted by none other than Princess Anne, marking a triumphant comeback after several years of postponements.

The event, held at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, has a rich history, closely associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

For many summers, she hosted her staff there, creating a joyful atmosphere where everyone could celebrate together.

Old photographs from past Gillies Balls capture the essence of these festive gatherings.

They show the Queen dancing joyfully with family members like Prince Philip, King Charles, and even the Queen Mother.

One of the standout moments often highlighted is the eightsome reel, a traditional dance where the Queen would twirl amidst her loved ones, embodying the spirit of the occasion.

However, amidst the excitement, there's a notable absence that hasn't gone unnoticed—Meghan Markle won't be receiving an invitation to this year's festivities.

This snub has fueled speculation and commentary, particularly from U.S. columnist Meghan McCain, who expressed her views on the matter.

According to her, if Meghan were to attend the coronation, she would find herself relegated to a less-than-glamorous position, akin to the D-list during Queen Elizabeth's funeral.

McCain's remarks suggest that Meghan and Prince Harry's choices have consequences.

Their departure from royal duties and their ventures in the media spotlight seem to have tarnished their standing within the royal family.

As the coronation approaches, the couple's absence is sure to cast a shadow over Harry's visit, especially among American audiences who are already critical of their actions.

The roots of the Gillies Ball stretch back to Queen Victoria, who, along with her husband Prince Albert, initiated the tradition in 1852.

They threw a party for their staff at Balmoral, expressing gratitude for their hard work during the summer months.

The name “Gillies Ball” comes from the Gaelic term for groundskeepers, but it also humorously refers to a type of shoe worn by certain Scottish royals.

Over the years, the Gillies Ball evolved into an annual affair, embraced by subsequent generations of the royal family.

King George V and his wife, Queen Mary, continued the tradition, with Queen Mary being particularly noted for her enthusiasm at these lively dances.

Her energy was infectious, as documented by Frederick Corbett, a former deputy controller at Buckingham Palace.

During King George V's reign, the festivities typically unfolded from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM, culminating in a lavish midnight feast.

Attendees could expect a delightful menu featuring grass pies, lobster medallions, and champagne jellies, alongside an array of sandwiches, all served in an elegant dining room setting.

This year, as Princess Anne takes the reins, the Gillies Ball is poised to revive its historic charm.

The absence of Meghan Markle adds an intriguing twist to the narrative, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the royal family.

With the coronation just around the corner, all eyes will be on Balmoral and the festivities that await, as well as the ongoing saga of the Sussexes and their place in royal history.