In an unprecedented royal snub, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have refused an invitation from Her Majesty the Queen to visit her while on holiday in Balmoral, Scotland.
The monarch had asked the couple to join her at the legendary royal estate during her traditional northern summer break, but the embattled pair have stunned the Queen by declining, claiming that baby Archie, four months, is too young.
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In contrast, Harry’s brother Prince William – with whom is said to be increasingly estranged – did agree to attend, bringing with him his three young children, Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte – as well as wife Kate Middleton.
Royal watchers have also noted that Archie’s tender age didn’t prevent him from recently visiting a number of celebrity hot spots.
‘It’s a bit odd, as his age didn’t stop them taking him to Ibiza for a week and then to see Elton John in France,’ a source told British newspaper The Sun.
‘If they want privacy or protection — which was Harry’s excuse for taking private jets — there is no more protected or private holiday destination than the Queen’s Scottish home.’
Now speculation is rising about what the couple’s real motivation may have been for tuning down the request for a visit.
‘It’s all very hunting, shooting, fishing up at Balmoral, so maybe that put Meghan off,’ says The Sun’s source.
‘She has never been to Balmoral and the Queen was disappointed they’re not going.’
The couple have never vidited Balmoral together, as Meghan declined last year due to her pregnancy.
Kate and William famously visited the estate via a budget airline flight – and even disgraced former royal Sarah Ferguson turned up, before doing a runner when her nemesis Prince Philip turned up unexpectedly early.
Every summer the Queen spends her time at the lavish Scottish castle and has hosted many family and friends at the stunning property.
Richard Fitzwilliams told The Express: ‘The Queen is able to relax there as the politicians too take a break. The country seems to be heading into political chaos which might involve the Queen and she, ever conscious of attending to her red boxes, will enjoy a well-deserved holiday as the Brexit storm clouds gather and October 31st looms ever nearer.’
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