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Tensions Run High as Prince Harry Snubs Dinner with Royal Family at Balmoral
In a dramatic turn of events, Prince Harry has reportedly turned down an invitation to dinner with King Charles and his brother, Prince William, during a recent family gathering at Balmoral.
This decision comes in the wake of a significant incident involving Meghan Markle, whom Charles allegedly barred from joining the family as they mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
According to the Daily Mail, the rift began on September 8, the day the Queen died peacefully at her private residence in Scotland.
As royals rushed to Balmoral to bid farewell, Harry was eager for Meghan to accompany him.
However, King Charles deemed it inappropriate for her to attend, leading to escalating tensions within the family.
The fallout from this disagreement resulted in Harry missing a scheduled RAF flight to Scotland, which he was supposed to take with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
Instead, he made his way to Aberdeen alone, arriving shortly after the announcement of the Queen's death.
Sources indicate that Harry was furious upon his arrival at Balmoral, which led him to refuse dinner with his father, stepmother Camilla, and brother William.
Instead of dining with the immediate royal family, Harry chose to eat with the Earl and Countess of Wessex, along with Prince Andrew.
This choice underscored his discontent, as he left Balmoral early the next morning, catching the first commercial flight back to London.
Reports suggest that Harry's frustration stemmed from his attempts to bring Meghan to Balmoral while navigating family conflicts.
Despite the ongoing tensions, King Charles has extended an open invitation for Harry to join him for dinner whenever he is in the country.
However, Harry's latest actions signal a deepening divide within the family, as he opted to leave Balmoral at the earliest opportunity rather than reconcile over dinner.
Harry and Meghan, who now reside in California after stepping back from royal duties, were already in the UK for a European trip when they received the news about the Queen.
While Harry made the journey to be by her side, Meghan remained at Frogmore Cottage.
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton stayed in Windsor with her children, highlighting the divisions that have emerged since the couple's departure from royal life.
The couple has faced ongoing scrutiny and criticism from the royal family, particularly following their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey a year after stepping back.
Despite these tensions, they appeared united in their grief for the late Queen.
Just two days after her death, Harry and Meghan joined William and Kate for an unexpected walkabout at Windsor Castle, where they greeted well-wishers and viewed floral tributes.
A royal source noted that William felt it was crucial to present a united front during such a challenging time for the family.
This moment of solidarity, however, contrasts sharply with the underlying issues that continue to plague the Sussexes' relationship with other royals.
As the royal family navigates this complex emotional landscape, questions remain about Meghan's role moving forward.
Will she continue to seek the spotlight, or will she accept a more subdued presence within the royal fold?
The dynamics are certainly intriguing, and many are left wondering how this will all unfold.
For those closely following royal affairs, the situation remains fluid.
The coming weeks may reveal whether any reconciliation efforts will take shape or if the rifts will deepen further.
Only time will tell how this saga plays out in the public eye and behind palace doors.