Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s absence from Prince Philip’s memorial a ‘slap in the face’ to the Queen

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s no-show at Prince Philip’s memorial an “insult” to the Queen as the Duchess of Sussex cuts ties with another link to the UK.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s no-show at Prince Philip’s memorial service is a “slap in the face of the Queen”, according to the former actress’ estranged father.

According to a report in The Sun, the couple stayed home at their $20 million California mansion, blaming Prince Harry’s absence on a disagreement over police protection in the UK — despite visiting the Netherlands next week for the Invictus Games.

The Duke of Sussex was the only senior member of the royal family not to attend the service – while the public expressed their outrage at his “shameful” absence.

Speaking on his YouTube channel Meghan’s father Thomas Markle unsurprisingly waded into the latest stoush.

Thomas Markle has again taken aim at his daughter and Prince Harry for “disrespecting” the Queen. Picture: Getty Images

“Attending and giving respect and God’s grace to Prince Philip for a lifetime of service was very important to the Queen,” Markle told co-host Karl Larsen.

“And for them to not show up was a like a slap in the face to the Queen. It was unforgivable.

“The British people won’t forgive them for that, and they shouldn’t. I don’t know what the reason was, but there’s no excuse at all.

“It’s a slap in the face for the Queen and the British people.”

It comes as Meghan announced the end of her patronage with her favourite animal charity Mayhew – just one year after Megxit.

Megan had been patron of the organisation since 2019.

In a statement posted on social media, the charity said it had been a “busy and productive three years together where we have gained so much of her kind support …[Meghan] you’ll always be part of the Mayhew family”.

The Queen arrives for Prince Philip’s memorial accompanied by Prince Andrew. Picture: Getty Images

“Though my time as a patron of Mayhew has come to a close, my unwavering support has not. I encourage each of you to support in whatever way you are able,” Megan wrote in a statement.

In her statement, Meghan explained how she had been introduced to the charity by a friend Oli Juste, who died in January.

“On January 15, 2022, my beloved friend Oli tragically and very suddenly passed away. It has left me, and so many others, heartbroken and reflective — knowing that the legacy he leaves for our furry friends is beautifully simple: just love them.”

Animal-lover Meghan chose animal welfare charity Mayhew as one of her first patronages in 2019 before she and Prince Harry ditched the royal family for a new life in America.

Originally published as Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s absence from Prince Philip’s memorial a ‘slap in the face’ to the Queen