An official schedule for the upcoming Trump state visit to the U.K. (opens in new tab) has been released (opens in new tab). Amongst the three-day schedule for President Trump and his family, you’ll find royal lunches, exhibitions, and London landmark tours. You won’t find Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle (opens in new tab), however.
During the trip, currently scheduled to take place in early June, Queen Elizabeth II will host Trump, his wife Melania, and their children (opens in new tab), and Her Majesty will be supported by a selection of senior royals for the duration. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will be in attendance for the official ceremonial welcome, held in Buckingham Palace’s garden.
Later, a private palace lunch will see Prince Harry join the guest list, and a private tea in the same afternoon will also be held with Prince William and Kate Middleton (opens in new tab). But, while three quarters of the fab four are confirmed for the occasion, Meghan Markle will notably not be in attendance alongside her husband.
The most obvious reason for this would be that the Duchess of Sussex is currently enjoying the peace and privacy of maternity leave with new son Archie Harrison, who will be less than four weeks old when the state visit takes place.
However, before joining the royal family, proudly feminist Meghan made her stance on Trump clear during a 2016 television interview, describing his politics as “misogynistic” and “divisive”. She also spoke of her support for his presidential opponent at the time, Hillary Clinton.
Appearing on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore three years ago, Meghan said: “It’s really the moment I go; we film Suits in Toronto and I might just stay in Canada... Trump is divisive, think about female voters alone, right? I think it was in 2012, the Republican Party lost the female vote by 12 points; that is a huge number and with as misogynistic as Trump is, and so vocal about it...Trump has made it easy to see that you don't really want that kind of world that he’s painting.”
Whether it’s down to baby logistics or her own personal beliefs, the Duchess of Sussex definitely won’t be making an appearance. Nice timing, Archie.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORY
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Prefer the "Energy" at Frogmore Cottage Over Kensington Palace
-
Are Brett and Tiffany Still Together After 'Love Is Blind'?These two are impossible not to root for.
-
Eyeshadows to Make Brown Eyes Sparkle
Alexa, play "Brown Eyed Girl."
-
Periods Are Under Attack in America
New legislation in the U.S. is designed to persecute women for managing their reproductive health. But the "Don't Say Period" bill just proposed in Florida is the most dangerous yet.
-
Prince George and Prince Louis Are "Protective" of Mom Kate in Mother's Day Photos, Body Language Expert Says
They have such a sweet relationship.
-
Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Attend the Coronation? What We Know at This Stage
Talk about a cliffhanger.
-
Prince William Once Joked He Might Have Worn "A Comedy Beard and a Hat" to Attend a Concert Incognito
OMG, imagine.
-
Royal Photographer Says Prince George Is "Like William," Prince Louis Is "Like Harry"
Tell me you don't see it.
-
Princess Eugenie Is Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Example With Her Official Announcements, Historian Says
They're in a similar-ish position.
-
The Status of Prince Harry and Meghan's Coronation Invitation Is a Real "Mess," Royal Commentator Says
Yep, none of this is easy.
-
Meghan Markle Made $80K Per Year With The Tig, But Could Make Much More With a Relaunch: Branding Expert
It could be a smart business move for the duchess.
-
Princess Kate "Asserted Her Authority" Over Prince William During St. Patrick's Day Appearance, Body Language Expert Says
He laid low to let her shine.
