Meghan Markle isn’t the reason Kate Middleton did not go to Balmoral after queen’s death

Contrary to earlier speculations linking Kate Middleton’s absence from Balmoral after Queen Elizabeth II’s death to Meghan Markle, new revelations in royal biographer Robert Hardman’s latest book dismiss such claims. The reason for Kate’s decision to stay behind had nothing to do with directives from King Charles to exclude Meghan Markle.

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II a year and a half ago, King Charles ascended to the throne, marking a period of transition for the royal family. However, ongoing drama among the royals in the aftermath of the queen’s death has recently come under scrutiny.

Prince Harry, in his 2023 biography “Spare,” asserted that after the Queen’s demise, King Charles had personally invited him to Balmoral but explicitly stated that Meghan was not welcome. According to Prince Harry, the King preferred a more intimate gathering and conveyed, “No other wives were coming, Kate wasn’t coming, he said, therefore Meg shouldn’t.”

This account contradicted earlier claims by royal author Robert Jobson, who suggested that King Charles had asked Kate Middleton not to come to Balmoral so that Meghan Markle wouldn’t attend either. Jobson had asserted that it was not appropriate for wives to be present, leading to the conclusion that if Kate stayed back, Meghan would have to as well, Speaking to the Daily Telegraph Australia, Jobson said: 

However, new insights from Robert Hardman’s book “Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story” reveal that Kate’s decision to stay back was entirely her own and not a directive. According to royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, Kate consciously chose to support her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who were starting school on the day of the Queen’s passing, told GB News recently.

Hardman’s book also sheds light on Prince William’s role in organizing a public walkabout with Kate, Prince Harry, and Meghan after the Queen’s death. Despite the challenges they faced, the four royals, driven by Prince William, participated in the Windsor walkabout, providing a united front during the difficult time.