As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry marked eight years since their wedding on May 19, the British royal family was notably silent. The couple did not receive any well-wishes from their UK relatives on the milestone occasion, with insiders suggesting the silence was far from accidental. The apparent snub comes at a time of continuing tension between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the wider royal family.
Why the Royal Family Stayed Silent
According to journalist Rob Shuter's Naughty But Nice Substack, a source close to the situation confirmed the silence was deliberate. "The silence was very intentional," the insider said. "There was no phone call, no private message, no peace offering — absolutely nothing." The royals' apparent decision to overlook the couple's anniversary comes amid ongoing tensions, fuelled in part by the pair's unofficial international visits. "The Palace is livid," a separate source told the same outlet. "It looks like a full-scale royal tour without the permission slip."
Meghan and Harry's Approach to Reconciliation
Despite the ongoing tensions, insiders suggest the couple is approaching any potential reconciliation with measured expectations. "They're not approaching it with the expectation of a quick resolution. It's about taking small, manageable steps and seeing where things land," a source told People. "This remains very important to Harry, with Meghan supportive," the insider added.
Where Things Stand with King Charles and Prince William
While King Charles III is reportedly open to speaking with Harry, Prince William appears to be a different matter entirely. "William is over all the drama," royal biographer Robert Jobson told the outlet. "He doesn't need it, and he doesn't want it. He's too busy and focused on his own family." With the family divide showing little sign of closing any time soon, the royal family's silence on the couple's anniversary appears to be the latest signal that the road to reconciliation remains a long one.
How Meghan and Harry Marked Their Anniversary
Despite the apparent cold shoulder from the royal family, the couple marked the occasion warmly on their own. On May 19, Meghan took to Instagram to share multiple never-before-seen photographs from their wedding day. She also shared a clip of Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, celebrating the milestone with a cake.
