Meghan and Harry divide royal fans in the wake of Queen Elizabeth’s death

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s return to the UK and reunion have made world headlines, as royal watchers reveal what they think about the rift.

Meghan Markle – everyone has an opinion.

It is clear the Duchess of Sussex is trying to win over the British people in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

Stepping out at Windsor, the American played the dutiful royal perfectly alongside Prince Harry as they greeted mourners paying tribute to the late Queen.

Nearby newly anointed Prince and Princess of Wales, Will and Kate were the crowd favourites.

Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex speak with wellwishers at Windsor Castle. Picture: Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Less than 24 hours earlier, new King Charles III spoke mostly of William with a small reference to Harry and Meghan.

“I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas,” King Charles said in his first speech since taking over as monarch.

Well-wishers and the media were surprised to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with William and Kate as they viewed the floral tributes to the late Queen at Windsor Castle.

But a royal source said the new Prince of Wales asked his brother and his wife to join them in viewing the tributes.

A royal source said: “The Prince of Wales invited the duke and duchess to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier.”

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It is thought to be the first time the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been in public together since Commonwealth Day in 2020.

It comes after reports suggested Charles warned his son “Meghan would not be welcome” at Balmoral as the family gathered to be with the Queen in her final hours.

In Manchester on Monday, Markle and her husband were booed by the crowd at the opening ceremony of the One Young World Summit as she gave her first UK speech since stepping down as senior royals.

While Prince Harry is understood to be staying in the UK for the next week of commemoration events, it is unclear whether or not Markle will return to California, where the couple’s two young children remain.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speak with members of the public at Windsor Castle. Picture: Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Markle has however cancelled several upcoming events, including an appearance on Jimmy Fallon and a trip to New York for the UN General Assembly that were scheduled for the day after the Queen’s funeral. She has also postponed the release of the next episode of her controversial podcast, Archetypes. Markle has previously used the platform heavily, and very publicly, to criticise the British royal family.

NewsCorp Australia spoke with mourners lining up to pay respect to the late Queen at Buckingham Palace, most of whom questioned Markle’s authenticity.

“The jury is out for me I think,” Brit Keeley Deighton said. “I wish that she embraced it a little bit more than what she appears to have done. Time might change things, let’s hope so.”

Emma Topham said: “I think that is all a bit sad really to be honest.”

Grandmother Belinda Rizenda though was very clear in her thoughts on Markle in particular.

“I think Harry and Meghan should go and do their own thing,” she said. “You know what? Good luck to them, let them do their own thing. We are here now, we are in London and this is for our Queen and our future King and the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales, our Kate and our Wills.”

South African tourist Renae Kleyn was more measured in her response.

“Everyone has their own problems and I am sure they are sorting it out in their own way.”

Questioning the broader narrative around Markle, Hayley Cordina-Wilson felt sorry for Prince Harry.

“Where there is smoke, there is fire,” she said. “I feel sorry for Harry really.”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex chats with wellwishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor / POOL / AFP

Another woman, an American tourist, who did not want to be named said: “I am excited to see how that progresses, I am looking forward to seeing it.”

Her partner commended the new King Charles III for extending an ‘olive branch’ so to speak to his son who had seemingly turned his back on his royal family.

“I loved the statement from Charles about Meghan and Harry, that was sweet. We’ve not had much emotion from the Queen before that about Meghan and Harry. It is different times now.”

Sebastian Bird agreed.

“I am not the biggest fan (of Meghan) to be honest,” he said. “I thought it was interesting that Harry and Meghan got a mention in the speech yesterday so it is good that they are trying to show unity within the family still.”

Originally published as Meghan and Harry divide royal fans in the wake of Queen Elizabeth’s death