Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to face a potentially awkward reunion with the royal family next week as they join Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Platinum Jubilee Thanksgiving service.
Experts have suggested that the couple may find themselves seated in the “naughty corner” alongside Prince Andrew to avoid any frosty interactions that could overshadow the event, according to Mail Online.
The upcoming service marks a significant moment as it will be the first time in two years that the Sussexes will be seen alongside the entire royal family.
The last public meeting between Harry, Meghan, William, Kate, and other royals at Westminster Abbey in March 2020 highlighted the rift caused by Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their frontline royal duties.
During their final outing as working royals, a photo captured the tension as Harry appeared visibly upset while Meghan maintained a smile, following behind his father, brother, and their wives.
Since then, the couple has used various platforms to air their grievances, including accusing a senior royal of racism and claiming mistreatment by the palace during Meghan’s pregnancy.
Royal biographer Angela Levin expressed her belief that the upcoming gathering at St Paul’s Cathedral will be a tense affair, particularly for William and Kate, who feel let down by the Sussexes’ actions.
Levin suggested that Meghan may put on a show of her “Hollywood smile” for the cameras, possibly including a Netflix crew, hinting at the couple’s lucrative deal with the streaming giant.
Speculation has arisen that Harry and Meghan’s attendance at the service could be tied to their Netflix deal, with Levin noting that the couple may feel compelled to maintain their royal connections to uphold their image, especially as their popularity in the US appears to be waning.
The couple’s desire for attention and spotlight may drive their decision to participate in such high-profile events.
As tensions linger within the royal family, Buckingham Palace may opt to strategically seat the attendees to prevent any potential conflicts.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams mentioned the possibility of seating arrangements that could see Harry and Meghan placed near Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, with whom they share a close relationship.
The dynamics of the seating plan are expected to be carefully considered to avoid a repeat of the discord seen at previous events.
The presence of the Sussexes at the Thanksgiving service signifies a significant moment in the royal calendar, with all eyes eagerly watching for any signs of further rifts or attempts at reconciliation among the family members.
