Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent endeavors have been nothing short of a globe-trotting spectacle, with their high-profile trips to Nigeria and Colombia capturing headlines for reasons they likely didn’t anticipate.
The Sussexes appear to be in a relentless pursuit of the next significant moment on the world stage. However, in a twist that is more amusing than surprising, their plans for a grand tour of India seem to have encountered an awkward and rather public setback. According to Royal expert Lady C, Harry and Meghan were actively seeking an invitation to visit India, hoping to be welcomed with open arms.
However, instead of rolling out the red carpet, India did something unexpected: they declined the request. This is the same country that houses the iconic Taj Mahal—a site where Meghan reportedly dreams of being photographed—yet India’s response was a firm "no thanks" to the Sussexes.
The question arises: why would India refuse the chance to host the former royals? It could be that the Indian government, much like many others around the world, has grown weary of the Sussexes’ brand of self-promotion, which often masquerades as charity work. Perhaps they have recognized that a visit from Harry and Meghan would be less of a diplomatic triumph and more of a public relations disaster waiting to happen. India, after all, is a nation of immense cultural richness, incredible diversity, and rapidly growing influence on the global stage. It does not need a photo-op with Meghan clinging to Harry in front of the Taj Mahal to enhance its image. In fact, the last thing India needs is to be associated with a couple whose international reputation, to put it mildly, is on shaky ground.
Moreover, the Sussexes’ track record on international visits is far from stellar. Their trips to Nigeria and Colombia, intended to spotlight important issues, quickly spiraled into yet another round of criticism and controversy. It’s difficult to imagine how a visit to India—a country with a long and proud history—could turn out any differently. What’s particularly telling is the extent to which Harry and Meghan are willing to go to secure these invitations. Reports suggest that they didn’t simply wait around hoping for an invite; they actively reached out, practically pleading for the opportunity to visit. Unfortunately for them, India, with its close ties to the United Kingdom, was not inclined to accommodate their request. The Indian government likely sees no benefit in jeopardizing its strong relationship with Britain by entertaining a couple who have increasingly become a diplomatic liability.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that some private organization might extend an invitation to the Sussexes. However, even in that scenario, it’s hard to envision the Indian public offering a warm welcome. The idea of Meghan Markle attempting to replicate Princess Diana’s iconic moment in front of the Taj Mahal is likely to be met with more eye rolls than applause. India, it seems, has seen through the Sussexes' veneer of philanthropy and chosen not to play along with their latest PR stunt. While Harry and Meghan may have found some degree of success in Nigeria and Colombia, India—a nation that does not suffer fools lightly—has made it clear that it is not interested in being the backdrop for their ongoing quest for relevance.
As the Sussexes continue their search for the next country to grace with their presence, it is becoming increasingly evident that the world is catching on to their game. For Harry and Meghan, the road to global influence might just be far more challenging than they ever anticipated.
