Sources close to Meghan stated that she will stay back to be with her newborn daughter.
With Diana's birthday around the corner, many were expecting a visit from Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle to the UK. However, the latest reports claim that Meghan is unlikely to accompany her husband to Britain.
According to Metro, the Duchess of Sussex will not attend the unveiling of Princess Diana's statue in London, an event organized to honor the late Princess on what would have been her 60th birthday.
"Meghan has just had a baby and has no plans to travel to London for the memorial event planned for the statue unveiling in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace," said a source, as per ET.
Harry and Meghan welcomed their second child on June 4, 2021, in California, USA. The couple announced the arrival of their baby girl, Lilibet "Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor through the website of their non-profit, Archewell.
"Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales," said the couple in their official statement.
Meanwhile, Meghan's decision to skip the event has been frowned upon by many.
Royal expert Phil Dampier stated, "It wouldn’t surprise me if we don’t see Meghan for some time," according to The Sun. He further added, "I don’t think she is popular with the royals or the public in the UK anymore and I think she will prefer to stay in California with her two young children."
He further called the birth of Lili an "excuse" for Meghan to skip royal engagements. "The birth of Lilibet gives her a perfect excuse not to come," he said. It may be seen as a swipe at the Royal Family, but it will just be added to an already long list," said the expert.
While some believe so, others understand that for a new mom with an infant and a 2-year-old it might not be reasonable or safe to travel when the pandemic has still not completely ended. Knowing how close a bond the couple share with the Queen, it would be biased to assume the couple will use the happy occasion of the birth of their daughter as an "excuse."
He went on to say that the presence of Meghan at the ceremony would anyway distract the public from the aim of the event. “In the unlikely event she did come, it would turn into a circus and detract from the point of the unveiling, which is to remember Diana," added Dampier.
The statue was commissioned by Prince Harry and William in 2017 to honor the memory and legacy of Diana.
In addition to criticizing Meghan's likely absence, the royal expert also opined that the ceremony would be the perfect opportunity for the brothers to reconnect and forget their differences.
“This is the best opportunity for William and Harry to repair their relationship, and it may be better for the brothers to sort things out between them on their own," said the expert.
While Prince Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah Winfrey might have upset the royal family, many came forward to support them. The couple revealed that there were talks about the color of their unborn's skin within the royal household and also how Meghan was suicidal at the time.
The couple's statements shocked many. Celebrities including Beyonce and former first lady, Michaelle Obama came to support Meghan for her courage.
"I am so proud of you for being so brave, I know it is never easy. You are strong- both you and Harry. I love you. I adore you. Your friend S [sic]," wrote Meghan's close friend, Serena Williams. "Thank you Meghan for your courage and leadership. We are all strengthened and inspired by you," stated Beyonce, according to Elle.
Additionally, during the interview, Harry stated that his brother and father were "trapped" in the system. Prince William responded to many of Harry's remarks and defended the royal family.
Harry's last visit to the UK was for the funeral of his grandfather, Prince Philip. Meghan skipped the service at the time as she was heavily pregnant with Lili.
References:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/15284691/meghan-wont-uk-diana-statue-lilibet-birth-royal/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Dominic Lipinski
