In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on September 8th at the age of 96, the royal family has found itself grappling with complex emotions and unresolved tensions.

The late monarch’s relationship with her grandson, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, has been particularly scrutinized, revealing a web of family dynamics that many may not have fully understood.

According to Katie Nicholl, author of “The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown,” the couple declined the Queen’s invitations to visit her at Balmoral Castle on two separate occasions.

Despite the strains following Harry and Meghan’s departure from their royal duties in early 2020, the Queen made efforts to maintain a connection with them and their children, Archie and Lilibet.

Nicholl’s insights, shared during her recent appearance on a podcast, shed light on the Queen’s feelings of hurt and disappointment.

She noted that the monarch had always cherished family gatherings, particularly a special weekend she hosted each August for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

However, in the last couple of years, Harry and Meghan chose not to attend, which reportedly pained the Queen.

The couple’s absence from Christmas celebrations since 2019 also contributed to the rift.

That year, they opted to spend the holiday in Canada with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.

Shortly after, in January 2020, they announced their intention to step back from royal duties, marking a significant shift in their lives and relationships with the royal family.

Sources have indicated that King Charles, then Prince of Wales, extended an invitation for Harry and Meghan to join him at Balmoral during the summer, hoping it would be a chance for everyone to reconnect.

However, this invitation was also turned down, highlighting the ongoing distance between the Sussexes and the rest of the family.

Interestingly, when Harry and Meghan traveled to Europe recently for charity work and the Invictus Games, there were no plans to meet with royal family members.

Yet, following the Queen’s death, they extended their stay to join the family in mourning, demonstrating a complicated blend of duty and estrangement.

Harry’s arrival at Balmoral came just hours after the announcement of the Queen’s death, marking his first visit to the estate since stepping back from royal life.

This poignant moment underscored the emotional weight of the situation as he reunited with family members, including his father and brother.

Reflecting on past events, Nicholl pointed out that Harry and Meghan had previously declined an invitation to spend time at Balmoral in the summer of 2019, opting instead for a vacation in Ibiza and the south of France.

This decision raised eyebrows and suggested a growing divide between the couple and the royal family.

Despite the disappointments, the Queen’s instinct remained one of protection and love for Harry.

Nicholl emphasized that, regardless of the tensions, the late monarch wanted to keep the family united, showing her desire for reconciliation amid the challenges.

As discussions around the Sussexes’ choices continue, questions linger about their current feelings regarding their decisions.

Do they regret stepping away from royal duties, or have they found peace in their new life?

The answers remain elusive, leaving the public to speculate on the future of the royal family.

With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the dynamics within the royal family are likely to evolve.

As we reflect on her legacy, it becomes clear that the complexities of familial love and duty will continue to shape the narrative of the monarchy in the years to come.