Why King Charles gave Meghan Markle ‘ultimate refusal’

King Charles did not want Meghan Markle at his mother’s death bed

Published April 03, 2026

King Charles ensured Meghan Markle was not invited to Balmoral where Queen Elizabeth II breathed her last.

His Majesty, who was then a Prince, told younger son, Prince Harry, that his wife could not come and see the Queen on her deathbed.

Writing in his book Betrayal, author Tom Bowers wrote: "When Charles heard that Meghan intended to come, he called Harry. That was unacceptable, said Charles."

The author wrote: "Since Meghan had refused the Queen’s invitations to Balmoral in the Queen’s lifetime, she was unwelcome at her death.

He added: "Charles ended their argument by revealing that Kate would not be coming, so Meghan had not been picked on.

Prince Harry left the Royal Family back in 2020 alongside wife Meghan Markle and son, Prince Archie. The couple later accused the Royal Family of showcasing racism towards their son and publicly shared their grievances on television. Harry and Meghan now live in California, where they also welcomed their daughter, Princess Lilibet.

Eleen Bukhari is a London-based journalist and MSc graduate from Brunel University with over five years of experience. Specialising in the British Royal Family and global entertainment, she provides expert analysis of monarchy traditions, celebrity culture, and the evolving media narratives surrounding the world’s most high-profile figures.