Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent escapades have been nothing short of a globe-trotting spectacle.
Their far-reaching trips to Nigeria and Colombia have managed to capture global attention, but unfortunately for them, the headlines were more critical than celebratory. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear to be on a relentless quest for the next big moment on the world stage. However, in a twist of events that is as amusing as it is telling, their plans for a grand tour of India have encountered a rather embarrassing snag.
According to royal expert Lady C, Harry and Meghan were hoping to receive an invitation to visit India, a country rich in culture and history. However, instead of welcoming them with open arms, India did something rather unexpected—they declined. The country, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a site Meghan reportedly dreams of being photographed in front of, simply said, "No thanks," to the Sussexes. This refusal raises a pertinent question: Why would India turn down the opportunity to host the ex-royals?
It appears that the Indian government, much like many others around the world, has grown tired of the Sussexes' tendency to engage in self-promotion under the guise of charity. Perhaps they recognized that a visit from Harry and Meghan might not be the diplomatic boon it once could have been but rather a potential PR disaster. India, a nation of incredible diversity, rich cultural heritage, and growing global influence, does not need a photo op with Meghan and Harry posing in front of the Taj Mahal to enhance its image. In fact, aligning with a couple whose international reputation is on shaky ground might do more harm than good.
Moreover, the Sussexes’ track record is far from stellar. Their trips to Nigeria and Colombia, which were supposedly aimed at highlighting important issues, quickly descended into yet another round of criticism and controversy. Given this history, it’s difficult to see how a visit to India—a country with a long and proud history—could play 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 did not merely wait for an invite but actively reached out, almost begging for the chance to visit. However, India, with its close ties to the United Kingdom, saw no benefit in jeopardizing its strong relationship with Britain by entertaining a couple who, to be blunt, have become something of a diplomatic liability.
There is, of course, the possibility that some private organization might extend an invitation to the Sussexes. Yet, even in such a case, it is hard to imagine the Indian public responding with a warm welcome. The idea of Meghan Markle attempting to recreate Princess Diana’s iconic Taj Mahal moment is likely to be met with more eye-rolls than applause. India, it seems, has seen through the Sussexes' veneer of philanthropy and opted not to participate in their latest PR endeavor.
While Harry and Meghan may have found some success in Nigeria and Colombia, India—a nation that does not suffer fools gladly—has made it clear that it is not interested in being the backdrop for the Sussexes’ ongoing quest for relevance. As the couple continues their search for the next country to grace with their presence, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the world is growing wise to their tactics. For Harry and Meghan, the road to global influence might prove to be much rockier than they had anticipated.
