Why Kate and Meghan did not visit the Queen before her death

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were notably absent from the Royal family members who rushed to the bedside of Queen Elizabeth II before her death. Here’s why.

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle did not attend Balmoral with their husbands.

The Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex did not join their husbands, Prince William and Prince Harry, when they rushed to Balmoral to be by the side of Queen Elizabeth II before her death.

When fears for the Queen’s deteriorating health escalated before her death, the Monarch’s close and extended family rushed to Scotland.

While Meghan Markle was first reported to be joining Prince Harry, the couple’s spokesman clarified she would remain in London.

“They have concluded that this isn’t really a moment for Meghan to be there with other close members of the family,” said BBC correspondent Nicholas Witchell.

“Undoubtedly people will speculate about that. She might not be terribly warmly welcomed, to be terribly candid.”

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle did not attend Balmoral with their husbands.

Kate Middleton, meanwhile, also remained in Windsor to look after Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who had their first full day at school on Thursday.

The Royal family’s rush to Scotland came after Buckingham Palace released a statement on Thursday morning local time, saying: “The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.”

Doctors had said she remained comfortable at Balmoral, with a private flight landing at nearby Aberdeen Airport carrying several members of the royal family, including Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Hours later, Buckingham Palace announced she had passed away ‘peacefully’.

Royal flight arrives at Aberdeen Airport. Picture: Supplied

Military vehicles depart through the gates of the Balmoral Estate in Ballater, Scotland on September 8. Picture: AFP

Prince Harry rushed to Balmoral separately, but did not make it in time to see his grandmother before her death.

Prince Charles, who was in Scotland already, travelled to Balmoral with wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Princess Anne, the Queen’s only daughter, was also already in Scotland having undertaken royal duties earlier in the week.

Originally published as Why Kate and Meghan did not visit the Queen before her death