
- As the Royal Family hashes out a plan for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to step down as senior royals, the Queen has been spotted in Sandringham for the first time since the news.
- It's interesting that she hasn't traveled to London, but there's a practical reason why she's still there.
- The Queen called an emergency meeting to find a "workable" Harry-Meghan solution, but her aides are acting in her stead in London.
In this interesting newsy tidbit, Queen Elizabeth is still in Sandringham after her charge to the Royal Family (namely Prince Harry and Meghan Markle) to find a "workable solution" in the wake of Meghan and Harry resigning from their roles as senior royals. Her aides are assisting in the challenge, but the Queen herself has remained where she is during this fraught time. As a matter of fact, she was just spotted driving off the property (pictures here) on the way to a shoot, according to the Daily Mail. She looks very serious (DM calls it "steely-eyed") but that might just be from concentration. This is the first time we've seen her since the big announcement.
Also, to be fair, there may be a practical and historical reason for the Queen remaining where she is for the moment:
Her Majesty usually remains at her Norfolk estate until 6 February – a date which is of poignant significance for her. The Queen's father, King George VI, passed away in Sandringham on 6 February 1952. The then Princess Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, were in Kenya at the time of the King's death and following the sad news, they immediately returned to the UK. Elizabeth ascended the throne and her coronation took place on 2 June 1953.
Also, we now know that Meghan and Harry had to rush their announcement because the British tabloids had realized what they were up to, and that the Queen had previously asked Harry and Charles to work out a proposal and obtain Charles' blessing. So this is just a really, really condensed/rushed/tense version of that original plan.
Again, NO judgment of the 93-year-old queen, but it is interesting. I wonder if the fact that she hasn't rushed to London is an indicator that these conversations are perfectly productive without her there. If she does travel to London, it might be a bad sign.
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.
RELATED STORIES
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Jordan’s Queen Rania Makes Sure to Ask the Prince and Princess of Wales About Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis
It was the royal wedding of the year!
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Stand to Make a Ton More Money in the Near Future
‘Spare’ could come to the big screen, and Meghan could net a huge amount of money per Instagram post.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Charlotte Is the Queen of Keeping Little Brother Prince Louis in Check
Charlotte in charge, indeed!
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn