Prince Harry and Meghan Markle allegedly sought a return to the United States with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden following the late Queen Elizabeth‘s funeral in September 2022, multiple outlets are reporting this week.
According to sources that spoke with The Daily Mail, the White House had a swift response to the request – deeming it a “non-starter.” One insider dished to the tabloid: “It would have caused such a commotion.” They added: “It would have strained relations with the Palace and the new king,” referring to King Charles, obviously.
The Sussexes Allegedly Eyed U.S. Return with Bidens Post-Funeral
The Bidens joined other eminent guests at the memorial service for the late Majesty, held on the 19th of September, as well as the King Charles-hosted reception for world dignitaries and foreign nobility, just one day before.
The Sussexes, already in the UK for charity events, had to hasten home upon the Queen's sudden decline and her eventual death on the 8th of September.
Meantime, their team reportedly contacted the White House, enquiring if the couple could be granted passage back to the U.S. on Air Force One, explaining that this would be a "grand photo opportunity."
The United States government funds trips for personnel on Air Force One, while President Biden covers the expenses for his family members when they are onboard.
The Sussexes have been acquainted with the Bidens for many years. As early as 2017, Dr. Jill Biden, along with her husband and then-President Barack Obama, joined Harry at the Invictus Games.
When the First Lady was invited to the 2022 games, however, she was dissuaded from attending, according to Page Six. One source told The Daily Mail: "British officials, in a working level conversation, conveyed to National Security Council staff that they thought the idea would land badly."
The insider noted that instead, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten represented the U.S.
OK reported that Jill Biden wanted to go to the event, and that she and Harry have a pleasant bond (they're both passionate about the Warrior Games).
In September 2021, the First Lady and Spare author hosted a joint Zoom call (since that year's Games were canceled due to the pandemic).
The duo both had kind words to share about each other. Harry told Dr. Biden: "Thank you for your service and your continued support over all these years. It’s been fantastic to see you in action in various parts of the world giving everything that you’ve got to so many people—not just those who wear the uniform but to the families, as well. A lot of them wouldn’t be here without you, so thank you."
Dr. Biden then replied, complimenting Harry's philanthropic efforts: "You live by a simple principle: Serve together, recover together. It’s a philosophy not limited by the flag you wear. Your brothers- and sisters-in-arms are connected by something so much deeper than the borders that separate us. You’ve dedicated your time, talents, and heart to lifting up service members from around the globe."
Following the viral, tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, it seemed as if Jill Biden showed her support to Harry and Meghan with the outfit she wore to the State Department's International Women of Courage Awards.
According to The Daily Mail, she donned a lemon-patterned Oscar de la Renta dress, similar to one Meghan had worn a month prior.
This caught the attention of many on Twitter, and even Meghan herself, who reportedly sent a basket of lemons to thank the First Lady for the subtle gesture of support.
