Recent reports reveal that Meghan Markle's portrait is conspicuously absent from a current royal exhibition, sparking discussions about whether this exclusion is a deliberate decision by King Charles.
This development has led to widespread speculation and curiosity among royal watchers and the general public. The Royal Collection, one of the largest and most significant art collections in the world, contains millions of objects that span over five centuries of the British monarchy. These objects include artworks, photographs, and various artifacts displayed across numerous royal properties.
Currently, the King's Gallery, located adjacent to Buckingham Palace, is hosting an exhibition titled "Royal Portraits: A Century of Photographs." This exhibition has garnered considerable attention due to its display of previously unseen photos of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, and other royals. However, the noticeable absence of Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, has left many visitors perplexed.
A report by the Mail on Sunday highlights that the Royal Collection does not contain any photographs of Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, or their children. This absence is surprising given the extensive nature of the collection and raises questions about whether this omission is intentional or due to other reasons. The exhibition aims to showcase the evolution of royal portrait photography through organized portrait sittings. A spokesperson for the Royal Collection Trust mentioned that images are selected for their historical significance and what they reveal about the development of royal portraiture. Despite this explanation, the absence of Meghan, Harry, and their children is still striking, especially when portraits of Prince William are included.
Many speculate that Meghan's exclusion from the exhibition might be a deliberate move by King Charles. Some believe that the royal family is trying to distance themselves from Meghan due to the controversies and strained relations following her and Harry's departure from royal duties in 2020. Critics argue that Meghan's brief tenure as a working royal and her subsequent criticism of the royal family may have influenced this decision. The absence of her and her family's portraits raises significant questions about the royal family's current stance towards them.
Adding to the speculation, reports indicate that King Charles and Prince William are planning a crucial meeting at Balmoral in August during their traditional summer holiday. This meeting is expected to serve as a summit for planning the monarchy's direction over the next decade. Insiders have claimed that Charles and Camilla will discuss the future of the royal family, focusing on maintaining a united front and emphasizing the roles of key players dedicated to royal duties. The exclusion of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from these discussions and the current exhibition signifies a deliberate move by the monarchy to distance itself from the couple. This move is seen as a reaffirmation of the royal family's commitment to focusing on members who respect the crown and are dedicated to royal duties.
Some royal experts believe this decision is a fresh blow to Harry and Meghan, especially amid reports of Harry's desire to reunite with his family. The presence of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at Balmoral this summer highlights the royal family's emphasis on the line of succession and the next generation of royals. This focus on the future is part of King Charles's plan for a slimmed-down monarchy, despite the challenges and negative impacts observed amid ongoing royal health issues.
