Americans Furious as Meghan and Harry’s Mask Controversy Fuels Family Rift

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry missed an opportunity to mend fences and foster reconciliation during their recent return to the UK, according to a US royal fan and journalist.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who reside in Montecito, California, made their first official engagements in two years over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.

However, they deliberately avoided the cameras that were focused on the royal family, opting to stay out of sight for the initial Jubilee events.

On Thursday, June 2, the couple was spotted watching the Trooping the Colour parade alongside other senior royals from the Major General's office at Horse Guards Parade.

However, they did not join the working royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the RAF Fly Past, as participation was limited to senior firm members.

Their only notable appearance during the weekend occurred the following day when they attended a Thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral.

Interestingly, they sat far away from Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, raising eyebrows among observers.

The last time Meghan and Harry were seen at a royal event was in March 2020 when they attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

During that occasion, they sat next to Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, who had visited the couple in America earlier this year.

Irene Keene, a former magazine editor-turned-influencer who traveled from the US for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, expressed hope for a reconciliation between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and other members of the royal family.

Keene emphasized the importance of family bonds, regardless of one's status or background.

Keene remarked that it would be a shame if Prince Harry and Prince William didn't mend their fences, adding that she believed many Americans shared this sentiment.

She expressed her desire for reconciliation not only between the brothers but also between Meghan and other family members.

Keene concluded by expressing her satisfaction that Queen Elizabeth II had the opportunity to spend time with her great-grandchildren.

According to a royal commentator, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were granted only 15 minutes of face-to-face time with the Queen during their brief visit to the UK for the Platinum Jubilee.

This meeting, which took place over the extended bank holiday weekend, was described as a humiliating experience by royal critic Daniela Elza.

However, Elza argues that the potential humiliation and frosty reception from the royal family were risks worth taking for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, citing the “Paddington bear effect” as the underlying motive.

Elza explains that the viral video featuring Queen Elizabeth's conversation with the beloved animated character Paddington bear generated approximately $350 million (£200 million) in free publicity for the owners of the Paddington franchise.

Such exposure would undoubtedly benefit the Sussexes as they prepare for their upcoming documentary series on Netflix.

Elza suggests that enduring snubs and coldness during the Jubilee would have been worthwhile if it resulted in a significant PR coup for the couple.

However, it was later reported that Queen Elizabeth had prohibited photographers or film crews from capturing her first meeting with baby Lilibet.

The meeting, orchestrated by Buckingham Palace aides, lasted only 15 minutes and was kept formal.

A source described it as a quick and straightforward interaction, indicating that it was conducted in a business-like manner.