Why Meghan Markle Didn’t Visit Cancer-Striken King Charles, Ex-butler Explained
- In the wake of King Charles III’s recent cancer diagnosis, the world watched as members of the royal family rallied around him.
- However, one notable absence was Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and the reason behind her decision not to visit the ailing monarch has been a subject of speculation.
- Now, Grant Harrold, a former butler to the King, sheds light on this matter, suggesting that Meghan’s decision was a conscious one and that this was a journey her husband, Prince Harry, needed to make alone.
King Charles visits the new Emergency Service Station on February 15, 2018 in Durham, England | Source: Getty Images
The British monarchy was recently rocked by the news that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. Buckingham Palace made the announcement on February 5, 2024, revealing that the monarch had begun a regimen of regular treatments as an outpatient after the cancer was discovered during his treatment for an enlarged prostate.
King Charles seen on May 8, 2015 in Dorchester, Dorset | Source: Getty Images
The specific type of cancer remains undisclosed, but it has been confirmed that it is not prostate cancer. Despite the daunting circumstances, the King expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support and well-wishes he has received from the public and international community and remains optimistic about his recovery.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at Windsor Castle on September 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
This news comes over three years after his son, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, made the decision to step back from their royal duties and relocate to North America. Their departure was a result of feeling unsupported and unprotected by the royal institution and the media.
Meghan, Duchess at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
They faced constant scrutiny, criticism, and harassment from the press, which significantly impacted their mental health and well-being. The couple’s decision to step back from their royal duties was met with resistance from the royal family. Harry shared that he had proposed a “half in, half out” approach, where they could have their own jobs but also work in support of the Queen. However, this proposal was quickly dismissed.
Meghan, Duchess at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
In the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries, Meghan described their life within the royal family as being in a controlled bubble. She shared, “I couldn’t even text my friends a photo.” Harry added that Meghan’s experience was different from others in the family, and it was unfair to expect her to endure the same pressures.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks at The Archewell Foundation Parents’ Summit on October 10, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple highlighted the lack of support from the royal family, especially as Meghan faced negative press. They felt that both the U.K. press and the lack of support from the monarchy contributed to their decision to leave.
Prince Harry with Meghan Markle during their wedding in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images
Meghan shared that there were discussions about how dark their baby Archie’s skin would be before he was born. She suggested that Archie’s race might have influenced the decision not to give him a prince title, which would have provided him with security. However, she did not disclose who raised these questions about Archie’s skin color.
King Charles and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during Trooping The Colour 2018 on June 9, 2018 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex talks with King Charles at the Westminster Abbey Commonwealth day service on March 11, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The couple revealed that the racism Meghan endured severely affected her mental health, leading her to contemplate suicide. Meghan confessed to Harry about her suicidal thoughts, saying, “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.” The couple told Oprah that initially, the royal family had no issue with Meghan’s race.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on November 7, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the sitting volleyball medal ceremony during the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 on September 15, 2023 in Dusseldorf, Germany | Source: Getty Images
However, racism was a significant factor in their decision to leave the UK. Upon receiving the distressing news of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis, Harry, without a moment’s delay, embarked on a journey from his residence in Montecito, California, to London to stand by his father.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie from a post dated May 8, 2019 | Source: Instagram/sussexroyal
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie from a post dated May 8, 2019 | Source: Instagram/sussexroyal
The information was personally relayed to Harry through a private phone call from Charles, which led to Harry’s immediate departure to London. However, he undertook this journey solo, without the company of his wife, Meghan, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
A photograph captured Harry’s arrival, alone in a black SUV, at the gates of Clarence House, the London residence of the King. Meghan’s decision not to accompany Harry was seen as a conscious choice. Grant Harrold, who served King Charles for seven years when he was the Prince of Wales, suggested that Meghan felt this was a journey Harry needed to make alone.
King Charles tours Hill Holt Woods on January 20, 2009 in Lincoln, England | Source: Getty Images
“Meghan made the decision that it was best to stay home with the children, and maybe she feels that this is something Harry has got to do alone,” Grant said. He also speculated that Meghan might join Harry in the UK at a later date. On the other hand, royal commentator Angela Levin suggested that Meghan might not be pleased if Harry rebuilds his relationship with the King.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit a local farming family on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia | Source: Getty Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leaves the Westminster Hall ahead of the queens funeral on September 14, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
She explained that Harry was in a difficult position, caught between potentially upsetting Meghan or his father. Levin expressed doubt that Harry would change his behavior significantly, as she believed Meghan would not allow it. She said, “I don’t think that will happen because Megan will not let him.”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their son Archie on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa | Source: Getty Images
King Charles and Prince Harry aduring Trooping The Colour 2018 on June 9, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
However, royal expert Omid Scobie suggests that there is more warmth between Meghan, Harry, and Charles than is publicly perceived. He stated, “There is more warmth between Harry and Meghan and Charles than other family members.”
King Charles and Prince Harry attend the “Our Planet” global premiere on April 4, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
King Charles, Camilla, and Meghan attend The Prince of Wales’ 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration on May 22, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
He believes that their relationship has improved since they left the country. In his new book, “Endgame,” Omid discusses the many conflicts between Harry and his family, particularly with his brother, Prince William. Despite the tension, Omid suggests that Charles has made room for some reconciliation.
Prince Harry and King Charles attend the “International Year of The Reef” 2018 meeting on February 14, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Meghan Markle walks up the aisle with the then-Prince Charles on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images
Omid was surprised to learn that Meghan also maintains contact with the King, sending photos and videos of the children to Charles via one of the aides. This line of communication indicates a potential for future reconciliation between them. In the previous year, Harry made an appearance at his father’s coronation, unaccompanied by his wife and children.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony after being crowned during the coronation ceremony on May 6, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
King Charles III after being crowned during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, on May 6, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince William, Prince Harry, and King Charles attend the “Our Planet” global premiere at Natural History Museum on April 4, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
This occasion marked Harry’s inaugural public engagement with the other members of the royal family since attending Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022, an event that Meghan also attended. During the coronation, the King conveyed his affection for Harry and Meghan as they persisted in establishing their lives abroad.