Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been snubbed by Jordan's royal family. Photo / Aaron Chown, PA Images via Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been snubbed by Jordan's royal family. Photo / Aaron Chown, PA Images via Getty Images
As they visit various humanitarian organisations across Jordan, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been snubbed by the local royal family.
According to the Daily Mail, there are no plans for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to meet Jordanian King Abdullah and Queen Rania, despite one source describingthe trip as “pseudo-royal”.
Harry and Meghan are visiting several charities during their stay, but thus far have only briefly met with the King’s aunt, Princess Basma Bint Talal.
The source said the pair seemed to be “mimicking many of the things they or William or Kate would have done when they were part of the Firm but it seems to be lacking in the ceremonial side of things”.
Another insider said the reception was likely not what the former working royals anticipated.
“Is it a snub? Harry and Meghan have met heads of state or other dignitaries on previous trips so you might expect it on this one.”
The King’s son Crown Prince Hussein is thought to be a good friend of Prince William, having watched football matches together at the royal palace in Amman.
“William and Kate went to the Crown Prince’s wedding in Rajwa in June 2023. In October last year, William and the Crown Prince went on a joint visit to RAF Benson,” the source said.
Harry and Meghan's tour of Jordan has been described by one insider as "pseudo-royal". Photo / Aaron Chown, PA Images via Getty Images
The two families have a storied history together, with the late King Hussein having strong friendships with both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
“The fact the Duke and Duchess of Sussex haven’t met King Abdullah and been given the traditional royal welcome is glaringly obvious.
“It’s well known that King Abdullah and King Charles have a very warm relationship and that was passed down through their friendship between the late Queen Elizabeth and King Abdullah’s father.”
The couple were, however, met by the British ambassador, a move former Tory minister Tim Loughton said was “entirely inappropriate”.
“They are not working royals and do not represent the British government or UK PLC. Given their capacity to say unhelpful things which border on political, giving them an official platform could be construed as them saying something that represents official UK policy.
“It would be legitimate for the embassy to assist on security issues and neutral briefing but not anything that platforms them on what should clearly be seen as a private visit by private individuals.”
