Charles, Harry's 'disrespectful' argument over Meghan not joining Queen in final hours

There was a tense disagreement between King Charles and Prince Harry regarding Meghan Markle not being allowed to join the royal family during Queen Elizabeth II's final hours. 

As Queen Elizabeth’s family rushed to her bedside during her final hours, notable absences raised questions. 

After receiving a call from his father, Prince William immediately boarded a flight to Scotland, accompanied by his uncles, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, along with Duchess Sophie. However, his wife, Princess Kate, did not join him.

Given her close relationship with the Queen, Kate’s decision surprised many, with initial speculation suggesting that King Charles might have influenced her absence.

However, royal expert Robert Hardman, in his book Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story, clarified that it was entirely Kate’s choice. With Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis starting their new school at Lambrook, Kate felt it was crucial to stay behind and support them.

While Charles had no involvement in Kate’s decision, he did prevent Meghan Markle from accompanying Prince Harry to Balmoral. In his memoir Spare, Harry revealed that his father had explicitly told him that Meghan should stay behind because "no other wives were coming," including Princess Kate. 

Harry recounted how Charles had called him mid-flight to explain his reasoning, but Harry found it "nonsensical" and "disrespectful."

Harry sharply responded to his father, saying, "Don’t ever speak about my wife that way," before Charles attempted to apologiSe, saying he simply didn’t want many people around. 

The Queen passed away peacefully at 15:10 on September 8. While Charles, Camilla, and Princess Anne were with her at the time, Harry was still on his way to Scotland when the official announcement of her death was made at 18:30.