Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Missed Last Moments Of Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebration came to a triumphant close on Sunday, June 5, 2022. Capping off the long weekend of events was the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, a spectacle featuring military displays, puppetry, dance, artwork and other creative endeavors. Fittingly, it ended with a public rendition of "God Save the Queen" in front of Buckingham Palace, led by Ed Sheeran.
To the delight of the crowd, the queen herself appeared on the palace balcony for the rousing finale, accompanied by the two heirs to the throne — Prince Charles and Prince William — their wives, and William's three children (via People). It was only her second public appearance of the weekend, having pulled out of a number of Platinum Jubilee events. At 96, the queen is beginning to feel her age, and issues with "discomfort" reportedly led her to stay home at Windsor Palace.
But royal watchers hoping for one more glimpse of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle came away disappointed. Though the anti-Sussex faction predicted the couple wouldn't be able to resist grandstanding, Harry and Meghan hid out for most of the Platinum Jubilee. After attending the Trooping the Colour parade and the religious Service of Thanksgiving, the couple skipped out on Saturday's festivities, including the huge Platinum Party concert. Instead, they opted to hold a quiet first birthday party for daughter Lilibet. Then the Sussexes were a no-show for Sunday's pageant (via Hello!)
Did Harry and Meghan duck out without saying goodbye to the guest of honor? Maybe not.
Harry and Meghan may have had some quality time with the queen
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are royals, philanthropists, and content creators for Netflix, but first and foremost, they are devoted parents. Their daughter, Lilibet Diana, turned 1 on June 4. Because the queen's Platinum Jubilee coincided with their daughter's first birthday, the Sussexes opted to skip the day's events in favor of hosting a birthday party for Lilibet at Frogmore Cottage, their U.K. home on the grounds of Windsor Palace. Also in attendance were a host of young cousins: the five grandchildren of Harry's aunt, Princess Anne (per The U.S. Sun). The event was reportedly fuss-free, with party games and picnic snacks in lieu of a formal lunch.
While the Sussexes were a no-show at Saturday night's Platinum Party concert — which featured scene-stealing moments by George and Charlotte — they may have been busy spending some quality time with a very important family member. The Daily Mail attests that Meghan and Harry were "reportedly watching the concert with the Queen at Windsor." This follows widespread reports that the queen also met namesake Lilibet for the first time, away from prying media eyes.
The U.S. Sun reports that Harry and Meghan flew back to California shortly before Sunday's Platinum Pageant. While some may see this as another snub of the family, it simply may have been another attempt to stay out of the spotlight and let the queen enjoy the outpouring of love.