Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Royal Family, The Queen
Emily Brown
Royal aides have expressed hope Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will follow a four-word protocol while visiting the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Harry and Meghan, who now live permanently in Los Angeles, returned to England to join the celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne which kick off today (2 June).
Buckingham Palace confirmed last year that Prince Harry and Meghan would not be returning to royal duties, and as a result their return to England prompted concern for royal aides.
Advert
Aides familiar with Harry and Meghan's travel plans told ITV News the pair plan to 'keep it simple' during their time here, when they will stay at Frogmore Cottage near Windsor Castle.
They are expected to attend the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday as well as a number of other key events taking place over the weekend, kicking off the celebrations by watching the Trooping the Colour parade in London today.
A spokesperson for the couple cited by Sky News commented: "Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are excited and honoured to attend the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations this June with their children."
However, the pair are not expected take part in any of their own engagements to avoid overshadowing the main jubilee celebrations, and aides are hopeful they will follow the four word protocol of 'stick to the script'.
Neither Prince Harry nor Meghan will join the Queen on the main balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour parade, as Her Majesty decided only working members of the family such as Charles and Camilla, William and Kate, and Edward and Sophie should accompany her for the display.
Advert
Meghan has not carried out any public engagements in the UK since she and Harry left for California in March 2020, or since she conducted her infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey in which she alleged some members of the Royal Family had been racist.
Harry and Meghan travelled to the UK with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, who turns one on Saturday, 4 June. The young girl has never met Queen Elizabeth, having been born after to the couple's relocation to the United States.
The Queen issued a statement of gratitude to those who have come together to mark her Platinum Jubilee, commenting: "I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions. I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm."
The celebrations will continue over the four-day Bank Holiday weekend.