Prince Harry has “worrying echoes” similar to Meghan Markle’s behavior within her own family, claims a royal expert.
The comment comes as Prince Harry decided to turn down an invitation to Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson’s wedding on June 7, despite Hugh being the godfather of Prince Archie.
Diary editor of the Daily Mail, Richard Eden, told Palace Confidential, that Harry wanting to be apart from his friends and family was concerning.
Richard said: “It does have worrying echoes for me of the way that Meghan has become estranged from her own family. You might remember that few members of her family were present at the royal wedding.”
He added: “Prince Harry hasn’t even met his father-in-law. For me, I do find it slightly disturbing.”
Prince Harry and his now-wife, Meghan Markle, announced their engagement on November 27, 2017, and married on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Richard said: “Some of his old friends drifted away after he started going out with Meghan. But Hugh the Duke of Westminster didn’t. He stayed friends and this was shown by the fact he agreed to become godfather to Prince Archie. So the fact that Harry has not come back even for his wedding is very significant.”
This snub came as a surprise to many as the Duke of Sussex shared a close relationship with the groom, but reportedly chose to stay at home in California with Meghan Markle so attention wasn’t detracted from the couple’s big day.
There was also the added awkwardness of Prince Harry having to interact with his estranged family, his relationship with whom has become increasingly strained since he and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals in 2020. Prince William and Princess Eugenie were both in attendance on the day.
The seventh Duke of Westminster, 33, married, Olivia Henson, 31, at Chester Cathedral in a fairytale ceremony with around 400 eclectic guests in attendance.
Growing up, Meghan had a close relationship with her father, but the two have been estranged for the past five years, making a reconciliation in the future unlikely. They have not seen each other since before her wedding to Prince Harry.
Meghan Markle’s relationship with her estranged father, Thomas Markle, is now “beyond repair,” according to a relationship expert.
Despite this, Thomas Markle has made numerous attempts over the years to win back his daughter, as he is “desperate” for her to forgive him.
In an interview with The Mirror, relationship expert Louella Alderson said: “It’s possible for relationships to mend and heal over time, but ultimately, it will depend on both parties being willing to put in effort and work towards reconciliation.
“It would take a lot of forgiveness and understanding from Meghan to repair her relationship with her father, and it’s unclear if she is ready or willing to do so at this point.”