Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s controversial request to Queen
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have an offer to the Queen that has left courtiers surprised.
The couple have offered to fly in to see the Queen and introduce her to great-granddaughter Lillibet, if the monarch agrees to meet them in the coming weeks.
Prince Harry has also extended an “olive branch” to his family as he and Meghan plan Lillibet’s christening, with hopes to hold it at Windsor Castle.
However, senior staff are said to be stunned by the request, which has come months after the couple criticised the Royal Family in their controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey.
“Harry and Meghan have made this offer but a lot of people are shocked by the sheer nerve of it,” a source said.
“They may genuinely want to see the Queen but it’s breathtaking given what they’ve put her through this year.
“Her Majesty’s staff have not responded so far. In fact there has also been discussion about Christmas - and whether an invitation should be sent to Harry and Meghan, after they spurned one last year.
The source continued to say that the Queen still holds affection for Harry, and “would love to see Lillibet and her brother Archie”.
“But courtiers are surprised by the move, especially from Meghan, after what has happened.”
Following Harry’s solo return to the UK to unveil the statue of Princess Diana, insiders say he is not likely to return until his 37th birthday on September 15.
Queen Elizabeth is also bracing for Harry’s memoir, due to be released next year, and has reportedly ordered staff to be ready to refute any claims in the book, according to The Sun.
“The family are concerned he will go into his feelings about Diana’s death, her treatment by the royals and how he initially felt about his father’s relationship with Camillia,” one source said.
“That’s why it’s all the more surprising that this offer for a meeting has been made now.”
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
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