Queen Elizabeth skipped the thanksgiving service in her honor during the Platinum Jubilee. However, she reportedly allowed the seating snub against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Queen Elizabeth Approved Of Having Prince Harry And Meghan Markle's Seats Away From Senior Royals
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first public outing in the United Kingdom two years after they stepped down from their royal duties by attending the Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on June 3. However, upon arrival, they were met by a mix of cheers and boos.
Many also noticed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seated several rows behind the senior royals — Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess Anne and more. According to British author and investigative journalist Tom Bower, Queen Elizabeth allowed the seating arrangement to prevent the Sussexes from "diverting attention" from the event.
"I think that then expressed itself again in the jubilee," Bower told Dan Wootton, Newsweek reported. "I mean what was a really remarkable story I heard was that Meghan and Harry were late to get to St Paul's Cathedral deliberately so that they could make their own grand entrance."
"As they're walking down the aisle and they get to their seats nine and ten, they say, 'well everyone should move up so that we can be on the aisle itself.' 'No,' says the usher," Bower continued. "'No, you're to sit [in] nine and ten.'"
"Who told you to tell me where to sit?" Prince Harry reportedly asked, according to Bower. "'Your grandmother,' says the usher."
Queen Elizabeth Reportedly Relieved Meghan Markle Missed Prince Philip's Funeral
In Bower's new book titled Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors, he claimed that the Queen was relieved Meghan Markle did not join Prince Harry at Prince Philip's memorial in April 2021.
"'Thank goodness Meghan is not coming,' the monarch said in a clear voice to her trusted aides," Bower wrote in his book.
The journalist explained to Wootton that the Queen made the remarks because she didn't want the Duchess of Sussex "diverting the attention" from the event.
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"She didn't want to have Meghan diverting attention from her husband and the ceremony, and knew that if Meghan had come, that's what was going to happen," Bower said, referring to the late Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.
It was reportedly the same reason why the Sussexes were seated away from the royal at the Platinum Jubilee thanksgiving service.
Stay tuned for more news and updates about the royal family.