In a move that has raised eyebrows across the globe, King Charles III's recent decisions regarding royal invitations have become a topic of intense discussion. The monarch's choices seem to reflect a growing rift within the Royal Family, particularly concerning Meghan Markle and her daughter, Princess Lilibet.
King Charles III, who was coronated at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023, has been at the center of several royal events this year. Notably, Prince Harry attended the coronation, but Meghan Markle chose to remain in Montecito, California, to celebrate their son Archie's fourth birthday. This decision was seen by many as a snub, especially since Meghan has not returned to the UK since the late Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on September 19, 2022. It's believed that the young Sussex children, Archie and Lilibet, have not interacted with their royal in-laws since the summer of the previous year.
Adding to the intrigue, neither the Sussex family nor the other royals have shared birthday wishes on social media for each other this year. This includes the birthdays of the young Sussex children, further highlighting the apparent distance between the families.
King Charles III, like his mother Queen Elizabeth II, celebrates two birthdays each year: his official birthday during June's Trooping the Colour and his actual birthday on November 14. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were invited to the monarch's first parade in June 2023 but declined the invitation. They have consistently turned down offers to participate in royal family events throughout the year, including an invitation to stay at Balmoral Castle during the summer.
Speculation is rife about the reasons behind these decisions. Some suggest that the King might only invite his son, Prince Harry, and oldest grandson, Archie, to the UK in November. There's a growing sentiment that perhaps the Duchess of Sussex is perceived as the root cause of the ongoing royal drama. Given Princess Lilibet's young age, it's also possible that concerns about her traveling might be a factor.
As the Royal Family continues to navigate these complex dynamics, the world watches with bated breath. The choices made by King Charles III and the reactions of the Sussex family will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the monarchy in the years to come.