Duchess of Sussex stays back in Canada during key 'Sandringham Summit' amid confidentiality concerns
At the pivotal 'Sandringham Summit' in January 2020, a critical royal meeting saw only four attendees, with Meghan Markle notably absent. Meghan's absence was due to fears that the privacy of the discussions could be compromised, an expert has revealed. This meeting followed Prince Harry and Meghan's announcement to step down as senior royals.
The exclusive meeting comprised the late Queen, then-Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry. Harry returned to the UK from Canada, leaving Meghan behind on Vancouver Island, nearly 5,000 miles away. Initially, it was thought unnecessary for Meghan to join by phone. Yet, Richard Kay of the Daily Mail shared that concerns over who else might be listening led to the decision to exclude her from the call. An insider mentioned, "This was a highly confidential family discussion, not a conference call."
Prince Philip was also absent; he left Sandringham House before Harry arrived, accompanied by Countess Mountbatten. This exit was speculated to signal his non-involvement in the family's new dynamic, as courtiers reflected on his longstanding mantra of full commitment to royal duties.
Post-summit, the Queen expressed support for Harry and Meghan's decision to seek an independent path, noting their preference for financial independence and a transatlantic lifestyle. She acknowledged the complexities of their decisions, indicating ongoing discussions about their future roles.
