Prince Harry and Meghan Markle haven’t confirmed whether they’ll travel to London this summer to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee (which marks 70 years of service), and there are several reasons why they haven’t reached a decision. So, we put together a list of pros and cons that could impact the couple’s decision to attend one (or more) of the events in person.
From meeting Lilibet to looming security issues, keep scrolling for details.
Queen Elizabeth will celebrate her historic Platinum Jubilee over the next few months. Although Prince Harry and Markle aren’t expected to attend every single event (especially the Platinum Party, which is scheduled on the same day as Lili’s birthday), many believe the couple will honor the monarch in person.
For example, they could attend Trooping the Colour, the Queen's official birthday parade, which has been cancelled for the past two years due to the pandemic. Or they could accept a Platinum Jubilee medal from Her Majesty herself. Either way, an in-person visit seems warranted for the queen’s 70th anniversary.
Based on previous concerns, their attendance could put their family at risk. Prince Harry has been seeking a judicial review in the U.K., after his request to personally fund police protection for himself and his family was denied. In a rare statement, the royal’s rep explained that they “are unable to return to his home” unless the U.K. can grant them the right to bolster their protection during their stay. Unfortunately, they haven’t reached an agreement. And since the Platinum Jubilee will likely be one of the biggest media events of the year, we don’t see Prince Harry and Markle making an exception.
It’s no secret that Prince Harry and Markle’s daughter, Lilibet (or “Lili”), was named after Queen Elizabeth. The baby hasn’t met her great-grandmother, who has been under the weather in recent months. Therefore, the best way for Lili to meet her namesake would be for her (and the family) to travel to London. This would also allow for the monarch to spend time with Archie, who she hasn’t seen since he moved to Montecito, California.
Whether they travel across the pond or decide to forgo the festivities, Prince Harry and Markle will be judged for whatever they do. If they do attend, they will likely be scrutinized for, let’s say, stealing the spotlight from the queen. Not to mention, the horrific tabloid drama that would likely ensue.
But if they don’t attend, they will likely be judged for their actions. Critics would say they’re not showing enough support for Queen Elizabeth, even though Prince Harry has a famously close-knit relationship with his grandmother. Plus, their absence would likely cast a dark shadow over what’s supposed to be an exciting time.
Considering all the pros and cons, we don’t know whether Prince Harry and Markle will attend Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. If we had to predict, we’d say that they’ll probably opt for the safer option and stay home. Because unless the police protection comes through, we don’t see them subjecting their family to the media circus.
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