Prince Harry and Meghan Markle learned they were “uninvited” from a state reception for world leaders and foreign royals after reading press reports, multiple sources tell Page Six.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have joined the royal family this past week in mourning Queen Elizabeth II in London, were sent an invitation for the event set to take place Sunday night, we’re told.
However, a spokesperson for King Charles III confirms to Page Six that “the invite is for working members of the royal family only.”
“Harry and Meghan actually got the invitation and no-one has actually told them they are uninvited,” a royal source tells us.
Another palace insider adds, ‘I’m told they only found out they were uninvited by reading press reports.”
President Joe Biden, French president Emmanuel Macron and the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau are among the heads of states who are expected to attend the reception, hosted by Charles and Queen Consort Camilla ahead of the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
Guests will also be greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and the Earl and Countess of Wessex at the Buckingham Palace reception.
Amid the confusion, Harry will join his brother, Prince William, and their cousins Saturday night to hold vigil for the monarch, who is lying in state at Westminster Hall. The King and his siblings held vigil Friday night.
Throughout the week, sources close to the Sussexes have been keen to stress the couple will do whatever is asked of them.
Harry — who was stripped of his military titles when he and Markle quit royal duties in January 2020 — was prepared not to wear his uniform during any events, but following a u-turn from Buckingham Palace, the former army officer will wear his uniform during a vigil on Saturday.
At the time, a source told us: “Prince Harry was simply prepared to wear whatever his grandmother made plans for. is focused on honoring her and that’s it.”
Queen Elizabeth II died at age 96 on Sept. 8. Her funeral will be held on Monday.