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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Tanveer Mann

Fears Harry and Meghan's presence could 'hijack and overshadow' Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Royals are concerned that any plan by Harry and Meghan to return to the UK with their children for the Platinum Jubilee weekend could overshadow the Queen's special event, it has been reported.

The pair are currently in the Netherlands for the Invictus Games, after carrying out a secret visit at Windsor Castle earlier this week.

According to senior sources, the top secret visit is reportedly being seen as an attempt by Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, to ensure they are "front and centre" at the Jubilee events in June.

The couple’s daughter Lilibet has never met her family in Britain, and their son Archie, has not visited the UK since November 2019.

The Queen is said to be looking forward to seeing the Sussexes with their children, but friends of Charles say there are concerns that if their visit coincides with the Jubilee weekend, it will distract attention from the Queen's milestone, The Sun reports.

A source said: “Charles wants the Platinum Jubilee to focus only on the Queen.

Prince Harry, 37, and Meghan Markle, 40, sat in the front row for the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games (PA)

“Many are disappointed that Andrew overshadowed Prince Philip's thanksgiving service and don't want the Meghan and Harry circus to hijack the Jubilee.

“This is the Queen’s show and should be about her and her 70 years of service rather than Meghan’s fashion, the kids and Harry.

“They don’t want it to become the Harry and Meghan show. Charles and all the family are agreed on that.”

Harry and Meghan are currently being filmed at the Invictus Games as part of their £113million deal with Netflix, which will show exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the Games when the documentary airs.

Prince Harry and Meghan, pictured left, made a secret visit to Prince Charles and the Queen in the UK on their way to the Netherlands (Getty Images)

Because of the show, there are fears within the Royal Family that Netflix could apply pressure to film the Sussexes at the Queen ’s celebration.

An insider added: “The Royal Family will be watching on at Invictus events this week concerned where Netflix will be when the Jubilee comes round.

“They will want to film behind the scenes or be in the crowd at the Jubilee as its better footage for the documentary.”

Meghan and Harry at the Invictus Games opening ceremony (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Meghan Markle during her speech at the Invictus Games opening ceremony (PA)

It is not clear if Netflix or Harry and Meghan have made any plans for the Jubilee yet.

Harry and Meghan's appearance at the Invictus Games today comes after their hush-hush visit at Windsor Castle earlier this week.

It is believed Harry set up the meeting at short notice and arrived on Wednesday to stay at Frogmore Cottage before reuniting with Prince Charles and the Queen.

His meeting with father Charles was reportedly kept brief as the 73-year-old royal was busy getting ready for Maundy Thursday service where he stood in for the Queen.

According to an insider, the couple's meeting with Prince Charles was 'reluctant' and they “were not exactly welcomed with open arms”.

However another said: “Charles maintains Harry is still a much-loved son”.

Harry looked emotional after being introduced by wife Meghan (Getty Images for Invictus Games)

After Charles and Camilla left the meeting, Harry and Meghan then spoke to the Queen for a much longer period, between 10.30am and 1pm.

Prince WIlliam was not at Windsor Castle to meet with his brother as he is reportedly on a skiing holiday with Kate and their kids.

Last night, Meghan left Harry on the brink of tears after paying a loving tribute to her "incredible husband" and sharing a sweet kiss at the Invictus Games.

The pair attended the Games opening ceremony in The Hague on Saturday night, arriving at the event hand in hand.

Harry looked smart in a grey suit with an open collar shirt while Meghan paired dark trousers with a £620 white off the shoulder body suit by Khaite and a £12,800 Cartier necklace.

They both addressed the crowd in the arena at the opening ceremony with Meghan taking to the stage first.

She told the crowd: "Good evening everyone. We are so grateful to the Netherlands for welcoming us and hosting the Invictus Games.

"For each team, my husband and I recognise it has taken a lot to get there both physically, emotionally, not least of which for the Ukraine team who we are all standing by - we talked about it yesterday slava ukraini.

"One thing I know for sure is that every single moment it has taken to get here will be worth it.

Meghan and Harry at the Invictus Games opening ceremony tonight (PA)
The pair exchanged a kiss when Meghan introduced Harry to the stage (PA)

"Because it is here at the Invictus Games that we honour your years of duty on the field and your continued service to your country, to your family and your community off the field.

"Thank you so much for your service and thank you to all of the family and friends that are here that have been supporting you along the way because this is service, this is dedication and this is the Invictus Family.

"Now it is my distinguished honour to introduce someone that I think you’ll all be very excited to hear from.

“He has also spent many late nights and early mornings planning for these games to make them as perfect as possible for each of you.

“I could not love and respect him more and I know that all of you feel the same because he is your fellow veteran, having served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and 10 years of military service.

“He’s the founder of the Invictus Games, and the father to our two little ones, Archie and Lili. Please welcome my incredible husband, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.”

The pair kissed when Harry arrived on stage, and he appeared emotional before his speech, saying: “Thank you, my love.”

The couple appeared happy and close during their public appearances at the event, holding hands and placing their hands on each other’s backs.

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