Meghan bypasses Britain amid fears royal rift will overshadow Invictus Games

29 April 2024, 13:44 | Updated: 29 April 2024, 13:56

The couple last visited the continent in August 2022, when they visited the Nyanga Township in Cape Town, South Africa.
The couple last visited the continent in August 2022, when they visited the Nyanga Township in Cape Town, South Africa. Picture: Alamy

By Danielle De Wolfe

Meghan Markle will not return to the UK alongside Prince Harry when the royal returns to the UK next month.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Harry is poised to return to the UK to attend a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday May 8.

The service is set to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

The pair are set to visit Nigeria for talks on the games in May, with Meghan and Harry expected to take part in 'cultural activities', as well as meeting service members and their families in the country.

A statement released by Nigerian defence spokesman Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau did not specify a date for the royals' visit.

It comes as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released a previously unseen wedding photo.

Meghan Markle will not return to the UK alongside Prince Harry when the royal returns to the UK next month.
Meghan Markle will not return to the UK alongside Prince Harry when the royal returns to the UK next month. Picture: Alamy

The couple last visited the continent in August 2022, when Meghan and Harry visited the Nyanga Township in Cape Town, South Africa.

Taking to X formerly Twitter, the Royal correspondent Chris Ship said: "Additional confirmation this morning that Meghan will not be joining Harry for the Invictus Anniversary service at @StPaulsLondon in London.

"But the Duchess of Sussex will join the Duke for an Invictus-inspired visit to Nigeria immediately after Harry leaves the UK."

Read more: Kate and William share touching new photo as they celebrate wedding anniversary

Read more: Meghan Markle's Suits co-star Abigail Spencer poses with duchess' strawberry jam from new lifestyle brand

As part of the UK service, Harry will join actor Damian Lewis, who is expected to recite a poem at the event.

Harry is poised to return to the UK to attend a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday May 8 without Meghan.
Harry is poised to return to the UK to attend a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday May 8 without Meghan. Picture: Alamy

A statement published on the Invictus Games' social media accounts earlier today read: "The Invictus Games Foundation will celebrate 10 years of changing lives and saving lives with a 'Service of Thanksgiving' at St Paul's Cathedral on May 8th.

"We will be joined by our Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, actor Damian Lewis and members of the worldwide Invictus Community to mark the occasion."

It comes amid speculation Prince Harry is being 'eased out' by Invictus Games by CEO, according to suggestions by royal author.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Labour’s six pledges are ‘woolly ideas’, says Tory chairman

Labour's six pledges are 'woolly ideas' and the party won't be able to deliver on NHS and policing, says Tory party chairman

Queen Camilla says King Charles is "feeling better" as he continues cancer treatment

Queen Camilla says King is 'feeling better' after return to public duties but must 'behave himself' over packed schedule

Russia Ukraine War

Ukrainian forces ‘halt Russian advance in north-eastern town’

Emergency services rushed to the car park of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in Aberdeenshire last night

'Beautiful' baby girl killed after being hit by Land Rover in church car park named as devastated parents pay tribute

World Court Mexico Ecuador

UN’s top court urged to order ceasefire in Gaza to shield citizens in Rafah

Michael Cohen on his way to court

Cohen pressed on his crimes and lies as defence attacks key Trump trial witness

The Met Office expects temperatures to increase after heavy rain and thunder

Met Office gives verdict on May half-term as temperatures set to increase after days of heavy rain and thunder

President Joe Biden

White House blocks release of Biden’s special counsel interview audio

Exclusive
A sister has described the moment she punched a crocodile to save her sister.

'I wasn't going to leave her behind': Twin recalls punching crocodile to save sister as she's to receive bravery medal

Slovakia Prime Minister

‘Lone wolf’ charged with shooting Slovak prime minister Robert Fico

A grandmother has been rushed to hospital after drinking from the contaminated water supply.

Grandmother, 80, rushed to hospital with severe dehydration amid Devon parasite crisis - as cause of outbreak found

Tributes are being paid to the boy who fell from a window on the 15th floor of Jacobs House on New City Road this morning.

Father screamed 'my boy is dead' after five-year-old son 'fell from kitchen window' of 15th floor flat in east London

China Russia

China and Russia reaffirm ties as Moscow presses offensive in Ukraine

Staff at a high-security prison have fallen ill after a 'mass poisoning'.

‘Mass poisoning’ at high-security prison as staff taken ill after inmates 'spiked' canteen curry with ‘zombie drug’

Explosive charges are detonated to bring down sections of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge

All 21 crew still trapped on Baltimore cargo ship, seven weeks after bridge collapse

Slovakia's prime minister escaped death 'by just a hair' according to the country's president elect Peter Pelligrini

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico escaped death ‘by just a hair’ - as ‘lone wolf’ suspect charged over shooting