Why Meghan is snubbing UK visit as Harry to return for Invictus Games event explained by expert

Prince Harry will return to the UK to celebrate the Invictus Games but Meghan Markle is unlikely to join him due to feelings of 'hostility' which would 'overshadow' the event

Prince Harry will return to the UK in less than two weeks to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the Invictus Games - but Meghan Markle is unlikely to join him, a royal expert has revealed.

The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex has announced his plans to attend the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8 - but made no mention of his wife joining him on the trip. The Sussexes moved to the US after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and their relationship with the royal family has been pretty frosty ever since.

Although 42-year-old Meghan often appears at her husband’s side at Invictus Games events, she is likely to give the UK celebrations a miss due to the feelings of “hostility” towards her in the country, according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

READ MORE: Where will Prince Harry stay when he comes back to the United Kingdom next month?

Speaking to The Sun, Fitzwilliams explained that Harry is unlikely to bring his wife and children - Archie, 4, and Lilibet, 2, - on the upcoming trip. He said: "I think there's a long way to go before Harry is bringing over Meghan and the children."

He continued: “I never thought that Meghan would come over because of the hostility towards her here,” predicting that the former Suits actress’ presence would “overshadow” the celebrations.

Fitzwilliams added: "It may not be definite that she isn't coming, but it's most unlikely. Meghan's reception would overshadow the message of the service, and you wouldn't want that."

Meghan’s name was notably absent from the official statement on the Invictus Games’ social media account which announced Harry would be joining the service. The post read: "The Invictus Games Foundation will celebrate 10 years of changing lives and saving lives with a 'Service of Thanksgiving' at St Paul's Cathedral on May 8th. We will be joined by our Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex , actor Damian Lewis and members of the worldwide Invictus Community to mark the occasion."

The trip will be the Duke’s first time in the UK since he rushed home in February following the news of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis. Harry flew to see his father and was in the UK for just 25 hours following the health update, where it was rumoured he saw the King only for a brief 30-minute meeting, which is believed to be their first proper private conversation for 15 months.

Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.