Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Issue Firm Response as Truth About Diana Award Plans Emerges
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have issued a firm response about their upcoming plans in UK after reports suggested the couple would make an appearance at a major event connected to Princess Diana.
The Duke of Sussex is already expected to attend the WellChild Awards this month, but speculation had grown that another important engagement would see Harry take a leading role during his reported extended stay in the UK.
Attention turned to The Diana Award, the charity established in memory of Harry and Prince William’s late mother. Both brothers remain patrons of the organisation, which recognises young people making a positive difference in their communities.
William and Harry were once extremely close, but their relationship has become increasingly strained in recent years. Amid their ongoing rift, the brothers have made separate contributions to Diana Award events rather than regularly appearing together.
Daily Mail journalist Charlotte Griffiths had reported that this year would be Harry’s turn to take a prominent role at an upcoming event. The report also suggested Meghan would accompany her husband to the ceremony at Raffles London.
The claims quickly attracted attention given Harry and Meghan’s reported return to Britain. However, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has now directly rejected suggestions that either of them is scheduled to attend the September 18 gathering.
“Despite the Daily Mail’s reporting to the contrary, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not scheduled to attend a Diana Award event at Raffles Hotel, OWO London, on September 18,” their representative told Express UK.
The spokesperson went further while challenging the accuracy of the original report, delivering a pointed response about the Sussexes’ supposed involvement. “Facts matter. Accuracy matters. Apparently, neither made the guest list for this particular story,” the representative added.
While Harry apparently will not attend the event in person, that does not necessarily mean he will have no involvement. A source close to the Duke suggested he is considering alternative ways of contributing to the occasion.
According to the source, Harry is “considering writing a letter or appearing in a video message instead, despite his close proximity to the event”. Such an appearance would allow him to support the organisation while avoiding an in-person engagement.
The clarification comes as Harry and Meghan are reportedly staying at a private residence in the Cotswolds during their extended period in Britain. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are also reportedly preparing to begin school this week.
Before the Sussexes issued their denial, speculation about Meghan potentially attending the Diana Award event had reportedly created some concern surrounding Kensington Palace because of the continuing tensions between the two royal households.
It had been suggested that Meghan’s presence could leave a number of people at Kensington Palace feeling “uneasy”. Prince William and Princess Catherine, however, have remained publicly silent about the Sussexes’ reported plans as events surrounding their return continue to unfold.
The latest statement now removes one major source of speculation by making clear that Harry and Meghan are not scheduled to attend the September 18 event. Harry could still honour his mother’s legacy through a letter or video appearance, but the Sussexes have firmly challenged reports suggesting the couple will be there in person.
