29 July 2023 , 16:48
503
0
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to avoid a Royal Family holiday this summer despite an "open invite" from King Charles III.
The duo are reportedly ready to stay away from the Balmoral event, which will see the likes of Prince William, Princess Kate and Queen Camilla in attendance. It's said Charles had extended the invite - which will see the family stay in the Scottish residency for the first time without the late Queen Elizabeth II - to his youngest son and his family.
But it's thought the fractured relationship between Harry, Meghan and the rest of the royals will lead to a no-show by the currently stateside couple. "It's been a very visibly challenging year when it comes to the Sussexes," a source said.
Meghan and Harry were said to reject last year's offer too (AFP via Getty Images)Speaking to the Daily Mail, another family friend said: "You can read the room on that as to where things are [between them]. It's sad, but it is what is. This is a family as well as an institution."
It's thought the latest declined invite isn't the first time Harry and Meghan have shunned a Balmoral invite. The pair were said to have declined an offer by the late Queen to head to the residency last year. The property was largely thought to be Her Majesty’s favourite spot when she wanted a clear space away from the rigours of being the Monarch.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
Despite their latest apparent rejection, it hasn't always been the case. In2018, following their wedding, Meghan and Harry opted to spend time at the lavish property. They then returned in 2019 as part of the traditional family trip. However, a year later they were headed stateside as fractures appeared in their relationship with the family.
The Firm are said to be 'encouraged' by the pair's actions of late (Getty Images)It certainly doesn't have to be a clear 'end of the road' message for the pair though, with the Royal Family said to be "encouraged" by Harry and Meghan's decision to focus their attention on their future. It's said doing so will leave it less likely at further criticism of The Firm.
The Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English commented that while relations between the Duke and his father and brother are still "not good", the Firm "feel encouraged by claims that Harry and Meghan are now determined to focus on the future rather than family recriminations".