Royal Exile: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Felt 'Erased' From Family In Queen Elizabeth's 2019 Christmas Speech
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly felt that they and their son were "Erased" after they noticed Queen Elizabeth did not mention their name in Christmas speech in 2019. This might be a key fact of their decision to leave the royal family.
The Sussexes left their royal posts in 2020. Several speculations and controversies have since emerged, deciphering what led them to their decision.
A new book has alleged, though, that the Sussex couple felt "snubbed" by Queen Elizabeth II, leading them to leave the royal life. Bella reported that it had something to do with the British Monarch's Christmas speech in 2019.
As it happened, the broadcast featured desk photos of some royals beside the Queen. It included King George VI, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Prince William. Many noticed that there was no photo of the Sussex royals.
Royal biographer Christopher Andersen revealed in his new material that the Queen made a last-minute decision to remove the photo of Prince Harry and his family. As reported, a source told him of this, noting that aides had originally included the Sussex royals' picture on the desk.
When the British Monarch saw the arrangement, she allegedly said: "I suppose we don't need that one," referring to the picture of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This reportedly came after they chose to celebrate Christmas in Canada with Markle's mother, Doria Ragland.
Upon seeing the broadcast on screen, Prince Harry is said to have felt that he, alongside his wife and child, was being "erased" from the British Royal Family. Weeks later, they consequently announced their plans to exit and relocate outside the United Kingdom.
The recent allegations, involving the Queen snubbing the Sussex couple during the 2019 Christmas speech, are not the first ones to make the headlines. As the public would recall, the talks about the missing photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle emerged immediately after the broadcast.
But, royal experts quickly countered at that time that, while the chosen photos were a "deliberate choice," they were not a snub. As noted, it is part of the branding of the monarchy.
Royal commentator Victoria Howard previously assured Oprah Daily that the choice of photos was based on the member's "proximity to the throne." It is the same reason why pictures of the Queen's other children were not present, as well.
Meanwhile, with Christmas fastly approaching, many are wondering how the British Royals will celebrate the holiday season.
Sources said that Queen Elizabeth was able to plan this year's celebration, according to Metro. She is reportedly "looking forward" to it, and is committed to welcoming the rest of the family.
As for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, there are rumors of the Sussex royals returning to the U.K. for the Christmas celebration. But, other insiders claimed that they will not be in attendance.