A recently released biography has brought to light the circumstances surrounding Meghan Markle‘s absence from Balmoral during Queen Elizabeth II’s final hours.
The beloved monarch, who passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, left a nation in mourning after an impressive 70-year reign.
This new insight reveals the complexities and emotions that surrounded that poignant time for the royal family.
Initial reports suggested that Meghan was asked to stay away from Balmoral by then-King Charles, alongside claims that Princess Catherine had received a similar request.
However, the biography titled “Charles III, New King, New Court, The Inside Story” by Robert Hardman clarifies that Princess Catherine’s absence was actually a personal choice.
She opted to remain in England to support her children as they adapted to a new school environment, a decision that inadvertently helped defuse tensions when Prince Harry learned of Meghan’s exclusion.
Prince Harry recounts in his memoir the moment he received a call from his father, alerting him to the Queen’s deteriorating health.
Eager to coordinate travel plans, he reached out to his brother, Prince William, but was met with silence.
William, it seems, felt that this was not the right moment for a conversation filled with unresolved emotions stemming from past Sussex interviews and allegations.
As the situation unfolded, the Sussexes decided to make their way to Balmoral independently.
However, another call from Charles soon followed, this time carrying the weighty message that Harry should come alone.
Buckingham Palace appeared to approach any discussions involving the Sussexes with caution, reflecting the strained dynamics within the family.
During this tense exchange, Harry learned from Charles that Meghan was not welcome at Balmoral.
The younger prince’s frustration was palpable; he expressed his anger towards his father, labeling the situation as nonsensical and disrespectful.
“Don’t ever speak about my wife that way,” he reportedly replied, showcasing the depth of his emotional investment in the matter.
In a moment of clarity, Charles conveyed that he simply wanted to keep the gathering small, adding that Princess Catherine would not be attending either.
Harry’s response was pointed: “That’s all you needed to say.” This interaction highlights the delicate balance of familial relationships during a time of grief.
Amidst these revelations, a previously confidential memo detailing the Queen’s last moments has emerged.
Sir Edward Young, her most senior staff member, described her passing as peaceful, noting that she slipped away in her sleep without awareness or pain.
This poignant memo, now stored in the Royal Archives, serves as a bittersweet reminder of the Queen’s final moments.
The memo reads, “Very peaceful in her sleep.
Slipped away.
Old age.
Death has to be registered in Scotland.” This simple yet profound description paints a serene picture of the Queen’s departure from this world, contrasting sharply with the turmoil experienced by her family during that time.
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