Royal Snub: White House Rejects Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Air Force One Request After Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral
Recent reports have surfaced about a rather icy reception received by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their visit to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. The royal couple, who had been living in California since stepping back from their royal roles in 2020, made the journey to the UK to attend the funeral of the beloved monarch who passed away at the age of 96 on September 8. Follow Our website TheGossipsWorld Media for the latest updates!!!!!
White House Rejects Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
However, their presence was met with a notably cold demeanor from some members of the royal family, reportedly still upset about the couple’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex found themselves not receiving an invitation to a pre-funeral reception at Buckingham Palace, where other members of the royal family and world leaders were in attendance, including President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
Second Row Seating
To add to their feeling of being unwelcome, Harry and Meghan were placed in the second row behind the rest of the royal family during the funeral service at Westminster Abbey. This seating arrangement further intensified the impression of a strained relationship between the couple and certain members of the royal family.
The White House Rejection
Feeling snubbed and seeking a discreet way back to the United States after the funeral, Harry and Meghan’s staff reached out to the White House, inquiring if they could join the Bidens on Air Force One for the return trip. However, their request was swiftly denied by the White House, citing concerns that their inclusion would cause a “commotion” and potentially harm relations with the Palace and the newly crowned King Charles.
The Discretion of Air Force One Invitations
The White House has the discretion to invite individuals on board Air Force One, but there are various considerations, including potential cost implications. For official government business, the expenses are typically covered by taxpayers. However, for other trips, the travelers or their sponsors bear the cost.
Previous Snubs
This was not the first time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex experienced a snub from the White House. In April 2022, Jill Biden declined an invitation to attend the Invictus Games in The Hague, The Netherlands, an event founded by Prince Harry in 2014 for wounded and sick service members. British officials reportedly expressed concerns about the optics of her attendance, as Harry and Meghan were no longer seen as having official state status.
A Continuation of Tensions
These incidents underscore the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and certain members of the royal family, as well as the wider implications on international relations. While the White House has not confirmed or denied the recent report, the fallout from such events can impact diplomatic relations and create media scrutiny.
Focus on Personal and Charitable Endeavors
Despite the challenges they have faced, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to focus on their personal and charitable endeavors. Both have been actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives and have established their foundation, Archewell, which seeks to create positive change in the world.
Moving Forward
As the world watches the developments in the relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the royal family, it remains to be seen how future interactions will unfold. The couple’s commitment to charitable work and advocacy is likely to remain at the forefront of their activities as they navigate their roles outside of the traditional royal setting.
Final Thoughts
While the recent reports of the White House rejecting Harry and Meghan’s request for Air Force One travel have captured headlines, it is essential to consider the broader context of the couple’s journey and their ongoing philanthropic work. As they continue to make their mark on the world stage, their dedication to social causes and global issues is likely to shape their public image and influence their interactions with various institutions, including the White House.
