The News
The Untold Story Behind Kate’s Absence at Balmoral During Queen Elizabeth II’s Final Moments
In a revelation that has stirred interest among royal watchers, the true reason Princess Kate did not accompany Prince William to Balmoral as Queen Elizabeth II lay dying has come to light.
Initially, there was widespread speculation that her absence was due to directives from then-Prince Charles, who reportedly wanted Meghan Markle to stay away.
However, new insights from a biography on King Charles's ascension to the throne reveal a different story.
According to royal biographer Robert Hardman, Kate's decision to remain in England was driven by her commitment to their three children, who were starting at a new school.
In those emotionally charged days of September 2022, while William rushed to Balmoral alongside the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Duke of York, Kate chose to stay back to support their children during this significant transition.
An insider shared that Kate's choice inadvertently helped ease tensions between Prince Harry and King Charles.
As Charles informed Harry that Meghan would not be allowed at Balmoral during the Queen's final moments, it turned out that Kate's absence made it easier for Harry to accept the news.
The insider noted that it was more a matter of luck than design, but it certainly helped to defuse a potentially explosive situation.
During this tumultuous time, Prince William understandably maintained a distance from his brother.
Despite the Sussexes being in the UK, there was no direct communication between the two princes.
Hardman pointed out that William felt it was not the right moment to engage in the difficult conversation he needed to have with Harry.
Buckingham Palace approached interactions with the Sussex couple with a sense of caution, especially given the history of their public disputes.
When Charles had to inform Harry about Meghan's exclusion from Balmoral, he reportedly felt a wave of dread.
Hardman described the anxiety surrounding this conversation, emphasizing the awareness that any exchange could easily become public knowledge.
Harry later expressed his anger over the situation in his memoir, “Spare,” where he recounted his immediate reaction to Charles's remarks about his wife.
His frustration was palpable as he wrote, “I wasn't having it.
Don't ever speak about my wife that way.” This emotional outburst highlighted the fraught dynamics within the royal family during an already challenging time.
Interestingly, it was the news of Kate's decision to stay home that ultimately calmed Harry down.
He seemed reassured that Meghan was not the sole focus of exclusion, stating, “Then that's all you needed to say.” This moment of clarity allowed King Charles to concentrate on saying goodbye to his mother, rather than getting embroiled in familial disputes.
Hardman's biography clarifies that Kate had not been instructed to stay away from Balmoral; rather, she made a conscious choice to prioritize her children's needs.
With Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte beginning school at Lambrook on September 7, Kate believed it was important for at least one parent to be present during such a pivotal moment in their lives.
This decision underscores the balancing act that Kate often navigates between her royal duties and her responsibilities as a mother.
Her commitment to her children during a time of family crisis reflects a deeply personal choice that resonates with many parents facing similar dilemmas.
As the royal family faced the impending loss of their matriarch, these behind-the-scenes dynamics reveal the complexities of their relationships.