Despite the late Queen Elizabeth II being thankful to have her family by her side, royal commentator Rebecca English later cited her sources as noting that she was “glad” that there was “minimal” fuss because of Meghan opting out.
In response to the claims in Tom Bower’s book about the Queen’s reaction to Meghan not being at the funeral, Ms English previously told Palace Confidential: “In fairness to Bower and the book, I’d heard similar sentiments about a year ago.
“I have to say, not in an aggressive way towards Meghan but more in a way that, you know she was glad that the, kind of, fuss around the day of her husband’s funeral was just a bit more minimal.”
As well as Meghan’s pregnancy, she also pointed out that Harry and Meghan’s highly controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey had only taken place a few weeks prior to the funeral. She added: “It was only weeks after the Oprah interview. It was quite a raw time for them.”
As a result of heightened COVID-19 restrictions in the UK at the time, Prince Philip’s funeral was downsized in attendees.
Mr Bower claimed the Queen made the observation as she prepared to travel to St George’s Chapel for the service. Almost one year after Philip’s death, in March 2022, the Royal Family attended a memorial service to pay tribute to the late royal. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the decision to not attending the service.
The Duke and Duchess were, however, both in attendance at the late Queen’s funeral in September 2022.