Ömortal peace for the Royal Family: Queen’s grandson Prince Harry and his wife Duchess Meghan visited Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle. It was the couple’s first trip to the UK together since their sensational move to America two years ago – and it could help ease tensions in the royal family. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to clear the air and offer a branch of peace,” said Ingrid Stewart, Editor-in-Chief of Majesty Magazine. Harry (37) and Meghan (40) must have taken a lot of strength to come to Windsor.
Relationship status: It’s difficult. There has been a lot of trouble in the past between the Sussex couple, who gave up their royal duties two years ago, and the rest of the royal family. From their new home in California, Harry and Meghan sent allegations of racism and complaints about pressure and lack of support to their old home. British tabloids, fed by “palace sources”, shot back, piqued.
Harry’s return after a year
In addition, Harry is at odds with the British government over personal security. Most recently, he traveled to England in April 2021 for the funeral of his grandfather Prince Philip and in June 2021 for the unveiling of a statue in honor of his mother Princess Diana. However, the press took offense at the fact that he recently did not travel to the memorial service for Philip.
However, Harry had announced that he would meet his grandmother “as soon as possible” – and he has now done so. The Queen is in poor health. The 95-year-old had appeared in public for the first time in months at the end of March at the memorial service for her husband Prince Philip. However, she recently canceled both the traditional Maundy Thursday ceremony Royal Maundy and the royal service on Easter Sunday, two fixed dates in her calendar.
On the way to The Hague
The couple had visited Harry’s grandmother, said a spokeswoman for the couple on Thursday evening on request. The two would have made a stop on the way to the Invictus Games. The Paralympic Games for Disabled Soldiers begin on Saturday in The Hague. Harry created the Invictus Games in 2014. In the Netherlands, the two are to be closely accompanied by a camera team for a Netflix documentary – the Sussexes have signed a multi-million dollar contract with the streaming giant.
Coincidentally, several Royal Maundy visitors at Windsor Castle witnessed the couple’s arrival. Harry and Meghan waved at the completely surprised onlookers, reported the newspaper “The Sun”. “I couldn’t believe it when I recognized her. We waved and they waved back,” the paper quoted an eyewitness as saying. Harry and Meghan would have looked happy and relaxed.
Expert Seward is certain that the visit is an important step towards family reconciliation. “Maundy Thursday is a very special day for the Queen as it is about forgiveness,” she said. “She’s not one to hold grudges and she will be happy to welcome them with open arms.”
Probably also meetings with Prince Charles
The couple also met Harry’s father, Prince Charles, who represented the Queen at Royal Maundy, at the royal residence just outside London, British tabloids reported. There was no confirmation of this at first. Heir to the throne Charles had to listen to particularly violent allegations from his younger son.
It was not announced whether Harry and Meghan also had their children Archie (almost 3) and Lilibet (10 months) with them. However, it had previously been said that the children would not travel to Europe. The Queen has yet to meet the great-granddaughter, who is named after her own nickname.
However, it is doubtful whether the Easter peace will last. Harry has announced his memoirs for 2022. In view of the fierce allegations, the tabloids expect the prince to take a hard look at father Charles and stepmother Duchess Camilla.