The royal family is embroiled in fresh controversy following claims that Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, personally barred Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from attending the funeral of his late wife, Katherine Worsley, the Duchess of Kent, held at Canterbury Cathedral on September 16, 2025. The shocking allegation, which surfaced after funeral details were confirmed, has ignited a social media firestorm, with fans and critics debating whether the move was a deliberate snub or a protective measure for a grieving family. As tensions flare, one question looms: is this the final nail in Harry and Meghan’s royal ties, or a private family decision?

The Duchess, who passed away on August 29 at 92, was celebrated for her quiet service and musical charity work, and her funeral was a solemn affair attended by King Charles, Prince William, and other senior royals. Harry, 40, was in the UK just days earlier for the WellChild Awards and a visit to Queen Elizabeth II’s grave, but his absence from the funeral—along with Meghan’s—has fueled speculation. Sources claim the Duke, 89, requested a “family-only” service, explicitly excluding the Sussexes due to their strained relations since stepping back in 2020. An X post exploded, stating, “Harry and Meghan banned by the Duke? That’s cold!” A TikTok video captioned, “Royal snub alert!” racked up 14 million views.

The alleged ban stems from ongoing family rifts, intensified by Harry’s 2021 Oprah interview and 2023 memoir Spare, which criticized senior royals. The Duke of Kent, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, reportedly sought to avoid media chaos, given Meghan’s absence from most UK events since 2022. “Edward wanted a dignified farewell for Katherine,” a source claimed. Fans are split, with one Instagram user defending, “It’s about respecting the Duchess’s legacy, not drama.” Another argued, “Blocking Harry is personal—he’s still family!” The debate raises a question: was the Duke protecting a private moment, or settling scores?

Social media buzzes with theories. A viral Reddit thread asked, “Did the Duke really ban them, or did Harry choose to stay away?” Some point to Harry’s security concerns, citing his ongoing Home Office legal battle, as a factor, while others see it as a deliberate exclusion. “Meghan’s Netflix show dropped the same week—bad timing,” one X user noted, referencing With Love, Meghan. The funeral’s confirmed details—no public procession, per the Duchess’s wishes—support the privacy angle, but the Sussexes’ absence fuels speculation. Could this signal a permanent royal divide?

The controversy adds to Harry’s complex UK visits. His September 8 trip, marking Queen Elizabeth’s death anniversary, included no meetings with William or Charles, highlighting their estrangement. Fans wonder if the funeral snub, if true, dashes hopes of reconciliation, especially after reports of a July 2025 aides’ meeting. A TikTok poll, “Should Harry and Meghan have been invited?” showed 53% in favor, with one comment reading, “The Duke’s protecting his wife’s memory—fair play.” Yet, the narrative of exclusion dominates, with one user quipping, “Harry’s out, Meghan’s out—royals playing hardball!”

As the royal family moves forward, the alleged ban keeps the Sussexes in the spotlight. Will Harry address the claims, or focus on his charity work? For now, the Duchess’s funeral remains a poignant moment overshadowed by drama, with one Reddit user summing it up: “Katherine deserved peace, but the royals can’t escape the mess.” The question lingers: is this a justified family boundary, or a deepening of the royal rift?