When Queen Elizabeth II passed away, Prince Harry’s plan to have Meghan Markle by his side at Balmoral took an unexpected turn.
According to Harry’s memoir, Spare, King Charles made it clear that Meghan was not welcome at Balmoral, sparking a strong reaction from Harry, who felt protective over his wife.
Why did Charles Say Meghan was not welcome at Balmoral?
As he rushed to Scotland, Harry had intended to bring Meghan along, but Charles intervened with a firm message.
In the memoir, Harry recalls Charles saying he could come to Balmoral but didn’t want “her” there. Attempting to explain his reasons, Charles apparently stumbled through what Harry describes as “nonsensical” and “disrespectful” justifications, which Harry refused to accept.
Standing up for Meghan, he firmly told Charles, “Don’t ever speak about my wife that way.”
The then-Prince of Wales ultimately argued that no other spouses, including Kate Middleton, would be present, as Kate had stayed in London.
Meanwhile, Prince William traveled to Balmoral with other family members, including Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.
Kate remained in Windsor to care for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis as they adjusted to their new school year at Lambrook.
The Queen passed away at 3:10 p.m. on September 8, 2022. Only Charles, Camilla, and Princess Anne were able to be with her in her final moments, as they were already in Scotland for prior engagements.
William and the other family members arrived at 3:50 p.m., missing her passing by just 40 minutes. Harry, however, had only just taken off from Luton Airport around 5:30 p.m., unaware that his grandmother had already passed.
During the flight, Harry eventually learned the news by checking the internet. As he shared in his book, he was reflecting on his last conversation with the Queen when he noticed his phone light up with a message from Meghan, urging him to call her.
Checking the BBC’s website, he saw the heartbreaking news that his grandmother had died and his father was now King.
After finally arriving at Balmoral, Harry was guided upstairs by his aunt, Princess Anne, who took him to “Granny’s bedroom” so he could say his goodbyes in private.