Why Meghan Markle isn’t visiting the UK with Prince Harry

Prince Harry is preparing to return to his old stomping grounds to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. But while many royal fans were hoping for the chance to see Meghan Markle join him, that won’t happen.

People confirmed that the Duchess will not be making the trip across the pond to attend the May 8 event at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Harry is scheduled to give a reading at the ceremony. According to the publication, the last time Meghan was in England was in 2022, when Queen Elizabeth II died. Harry made other trips, however, including a quick visit to see his father when King Charles announced he had been diagnosed with cancer and during his coronation. Last week, various sources said Harry was worried about keeping his family safe if they were to attend the event.

The Invictus Games ceremony will bring together “wounded, injured and ill military personnel and the veteran community” alongside community members, supporters and beneficiaries. They are all expected to participate in the ceremony, although the public has not yet been given a specific timetable for the event. Harry created the tournament, which brings together military personnel and veterans for events like wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, in 2014. Since the first Invictus Games in London, the event has traveled at The Hauge, Orlando, Toronto, Dusseldorf and more. The 2025 edition of the games is expected to take place in Vancouver and Whistler.

People also confirmed that Meghan will join Harry on a trip to Nigeria planned for May. The Sussexes were invited by the Chief of Defense Staff, the country’s highest ranking military officer. As with other royal tours, Harry and Meghan are expected to meet with various officials and immerse themselves in local culture. Nigeria made its Invictus Games debut at the 2023 Games in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, was in attendance. People notes that he expressed a desire to hold the event in Nigeria in the future.

“Now, I’m not saying we’re playing favorites at home, but since my wife found out she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s probably going to get a little more competitive this year,” Harry said at an event in games launch in September 2023. At last year’s tournament, Harry and Meghan received a commemorative plaque from the defense chief and the Duchess was given a new nickname: “Amira Ngozi Lolo”. Amira is the name of a legendary warrior princess, and Ngozi translates to “blessed.” Lolo means “royal wife”.