The all-important invite to Balmoral.

Much has been made of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's holiday choices and they have received intense criticism for taking two return trips on private jets this summer. One expedition they turned down though was a visit to Balmoral although it had been said that the Queen extended them an invitation. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge together with their three children were spotted at the Scottish royal residence last month and it was expected that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex together with their baby son would join them at the same time. However, the new parents and almost five-month-old Archie weren’t able to make the journey and to be fair, the reason why actually makes perfect sense. Speaking exclusively to Harper’s Bazaar, a source close to the royal couple explained:

"Given that they were both working through the majority of August it was not something that was scheduled this summer. Plus, it’s worth noting that the family often see the queen when she is at Windsor. They are very close".

Although it is traditional for members of the royal family to visit the Queen during her time at Balmoral, perhaps Meghan and Harry see her more than others as they live in such close proximity. It had been suggested that a rift between the families was behind the decision not to visit together but it seems the royal rumour mill was working overtime. The Queen usually stays at Balmoral until October before journeying back to Buckingham Palace for winter, perhaps they’ll make the journey to the Scottish Highlands yet. As these invites are extended during her time away from the palace, they are viewed as a pretty big deal which is why such an issue was made of the fact the Sussex family didn't attend this summer.