Meghan Markle’s debut at the 2018 Trooping the Colour was memorable for reasons beyond the pomp and pageantry. According to Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, an attempt at humor by Meghan directed at her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, was met with a “yawning silence,” highlighting the underlying tensions within the royal family.
The event, known as the King’s Birthday Parade, marked Meghan’s first appearance alongside the royal family after her marriage to Prince Harry. Despite her radiant appearance in a pale pink ensemble, the atmosphere was reportedly less than welcoming.
Uncomfortable Moments Behind the Scenes
Prince Harry’s memoir provides a candid look at the dynamics during the event. Meghan, standing beside Harry in his military attire, attempted to engage with Kate, Prince William, and Camilla. However, Harry reveals that the cordial interactions masked an undercurrent of tension.
According to Harry, Meghan’s joke came after Kate asked about her thoughts on the event. Meghan’s response, “Colorful,” was met with silence, a moment Harry describes vividly in his book:
“A yawning silence threatened to swallow us all whole.”
The Aftermath and Royal Appearances
The Sussexes’ participation in Trooping the Colour in 2018 was their last as working royals. The following year, Meghan had a scheduling conflict, attending a Night of Wonder at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. This marked the beginning of their gradual withdrawal from royal duties.
After relocating to the United States, Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior royals, a move that was followed by a Netflix series and Harry’s memoir. The couple has not been invited back to Trooping the Colour, a decision likely influenced by ongoing tensions.
Future Prospects for Harry and Meghan
As Prince Harry reportedly seeks to mend his relationship with King Charles, speculation arises about his potential return to the royal balcony. However, Meghan’s absence seems more permanent, with public sentiment in Britain remaining unforgiving.
Royal experts suggest that while Harry might find a path back to occasional royal duties, Meghan’s return is improbable. The British public’s perception of her remains a significant barrier.
Meanwhile, the Sussexes continue to build their life in the U.S., focusing on media projects and philanthropy. Whether they will ever fully reconcile with the royal family remains uncertain, but their story continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
