Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's request to fly with President Biden after Queen Elizabeth II's funeral was rejected.
The Daily Express US reported that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry faced a rebuff when they asked to join President Joe Biden on Air Force One after attending Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. The royal couple had hoped to return to the US with Biden, only to be declined.
The Sussexes, who had relocated to California, were in the UK for charity work when the Queen passed away on September 8.
They remained in the country until the Queen's funeral on September 19.
In their quest for greater political influence in the US, the Sussexes reached out to the White House, hoping to secure a ride back home. This request was conveyed through their staff to the President and First Lady, who were also attending the funeral.
Sources indicated that having Meghan and Harry on the presidential aircraft could potentially cause a disturbance and strain diplomatic relations with the British monarchy and the newly appointed King.
"It would have caused such a commotion. It would have strained relations with the Palace and the new King," a source explained the rationale behind the decision.
Apart from the flight request, the Sussexes had previously extended an invitation to Jill Biden to attend the 2022 Invictus Games. However, Jill Biden declined the offer to avoid potentially upsetting Buckingham Palace.
"Jill Biden was inclined to go," shared a source close to the First Lady, underscoring her interest in supporting the event which she had attended in the past in Canada and Florida.
Despite Jill Biden's absence, the US delegation to the Invictus Games was led by Secretary of Transport Pete Buttigieg and his husband, highlighting continued US support for the event.
Since stepping back from royal duties and moving to Montecito, California, Harry and Meghan have entered into several high-profile commercial agreements. These include a Netflix deal valued at approximately $100 million and a Spotify contract estimated at $20 million, which ultimately fell through.
Additionally, Prince Harry inked a deal with Penguin Random House for his memoir "Spare," which not only became a bestseller but also heightened tensions with the Royal Family due to its accusatory content against key members like Queen Camilla and Prince William.
These ventures are seen as part of the couple's efforts to establish a new base of operations and influence following their departure from royal life in 2020.
British officials had reportedly advised against Jill Biden's attendance at the Invictus Games, concerned about the reception from Buckingham Palace. This decision reflects the delicate balance of international relations and royal protocols.
The continued saga of Meghan and Harry's attempts to navigate their roles outside the traditional Royal Family structure illuminates ongoing challenges and the broader implications for Anglo-American relations.
This series of events paints a picture of the complexities involved in the Sussexes' transition from royal duties to independent public figures with global ambitions.
In conclusion, Meghan and Harry's endeavors to strengthen their ties with prominent US figures like the Bidens, alongside their ambitious media deals, underscore their efforts to carve out a new identity away from the Royal Family. These moves have not only led to new opportunities but also new tensions, both domestically and internationally.
