Prince Harry's dilemma 'that won't go away' - as Meghan 'has no desire' to return to UK
The Duke of Sussex is set to return to the UK next week to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Invictus Games. However, the Duchess of Sussex is not expected to be by his side but will instead accompany him to Nigeria to "discover her roots".
Meghan has not travelled to the UK since Queen Elizabeth II's death - with it previously being said that she would stay at home with the couple's young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, on previous occasions where Harry has arrived alone. This decision, an expert points out, is the "clearest indication yet" that Meghan wants very little to do with the UK.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: "I’m afraid this does seem to be the clearest indication yet that Meghan really doesn’t want to return to the UK. I suppose it’s not surprising because there would be a huge amount of doubt about what kind of reception she would get. But it is sad."
On Meghan's decision to travel to Nigeria, Jennie adds: "The fact that she is going to Nigeria completely negates the argument that it is the issue of security that is keeping her away. They will obviously be given official security in Nigeria, but they would almost certainly be given security here on a similarly official engagement. And few people would argue that Nigeria is a safer place than the UK.
"So the only conclusion we can draw is that Meghan has absolutely no desire to set foot in the UK again. It must be sad for Harry who has made it clear that he loves his family here, and wants his children to know and understand their heritage.
"Meghan has been at his side for so much of the Invictus story and it must hold a special place in their hearts because it was at the games that they made their first public appearance together. If she can travel to the Netherlands for the games, why can’t she attend such an important milestone as the 10th anniversary service at St Paul's?
"It’s not because of leaving the children – because she’s going to Nigeria. And it can’t be because of security – because she’s going to Nigeria. So we are left with the one conclusion. She doesn’t want to come to the UK. It’s a dilemma for Harry, and it’s not going to go away."
Despite Meghan's decision to stay away from the UK, the news comes after the couple made a significant move that could hint at their intentions to maintain ties with Harry's birth country.
The Sussexes have welcomed Charlie Gipson into their team as a communications executive. Charlie is based in the UK, suggesting that the Royal couple are eager to continue and enhance relations with the British public by hiring a key UK-based staff member. Charlie will take on the role of Director of Communications, becoming the point of contact for British media enquiries.
