In a notable exclusion that has sparked conversation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not received an invitation to join the royal family’s annual summer retreat at Balmoral Castle. This comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the monarchy, and just ahead of their much-publicized trip to Colombia. A royal commentator has suggested that the British royal family might be engaging in a scheme to undermine Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they plan for their controversial ‘faux-royal’ tour.

For years, Balmoral Castle in Scotland has served as the royal family’s private haven, offering a secluded escape from public scrutiny. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, the 50,000-acre estate has been a cherished retreat for generations, allowing the royals to engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.

Despite the tradition of gathering at Balmoral, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been excluded from this year’s royal assembly. Sources close to the royal circle have confirmed to People magazine that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not invited to join the family at the estate, a custom King Charles has maintained following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year.

This exclusion continues a pattern that has persisted since the couple stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. While Prince Harry grew up attending Balmoral gatherings, his wife Meghan has reportedly never visited the estate. Similarly, their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have not been included in this family tradition.

The absence of Harry and Meghan from Balmoral this summer underscores the ongoing tensions between them and the royal family. Since their decision to step down as senior royals and relocate to California, the Sussexes have been at the center of numerous controversies and disputes with the monarchy, some of which have been publicly aired through interviews and Harry’s memoir, Spare.

Sources have suggested that their exclusion from Balmoral may reflect deeper issues within the family. “This is not just a simple scheduling issue,” said royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams in an interview with Express.co.uk. “The absence of an invitation is likely a sign of the ongoing rift and perhaps an indication of the current state of relations.”

Adding to the intrigue, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing for an upcoming trip to Colombia. Scheduled to include charitable engagements and meetings with local organizations, the visit has been described by some media outlets as a ‘faux-royal’ tour, drawing comparisons to the couple’s previous work as senior royals.

The timing of this trip has led to speculation about whether the royal family is deliberately seeking to overshadow the Sussexes’ plans. While there is no official comment from the palace, some royal commentators have speculated that the exclusion from Balmoral might be intended to minimize the couple’s media exposure before their Colombia tour.

Royal commentators have been quick to analyze the situation, offering varying interpretations of the dynamics at play. Speaking to Vanity Fair, royal correspondent Katie Nicholl suggested that the Sussexes’ exclusion from Balmoral “might be seen as an indication of unresolved issues within the family.” She added, “The royal family’s actions often speak louder than words, and this seems to be a clear message about where things stand.”