Why Meghan Markle probably won't meet with Donald Trump during his visit to the UK
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Buckingham Palace announced Tuesday that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be making their way across the pond for a visit to the UK on June 3rd. It will be the Trumps' second visit with the queen—they previously joined her for tea at Windsor Castle in July 2018.
However, everyone is more focused on the potential drama the visit could bring and is curious to know whether or not the president will also meet with Duchess Meghan.
As a private American citizen, Meghan Markle campaigned against Trump, calling him "divisive" and "misogynistic" on "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore" in 2016. She even made a joke about staying in Canada if he were to be elected.
But seeing as how the duchess is due to give birth to Baby Sussex any day now, we can assume she'll still be on maternity leave when the visit occurs nearly a month from now.
Royal correspondent for The Daily Mail, Rebecca English, tweeted that it will be "fascinating" to see which members of the royal family will attend the state banquet and events with Trump. She tweeted, "Meghan (who campaigned against Trump as a private citizen) would almost certainly play some part. But she will be on maternity leave at the time."
It may also be the first time the Duke & Duchess of Sussex take part in a state visit. Normally, given her American citizenship, Meghan (who campaigned against Trump as a private citizen) would almost certainly play some part. But she will be on maternity leave at the time.
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) April 23, 2019
Standard maternity leave would have the Duchess of Sussex off-duty for three months, although the decision is ultimately hers. Kate Middleton only took six weeks of maternity leave after giving birth to her firstborn Prince George. However, she took four months off after having Princess Charlotte and about six months with Prince Louis.
The palace has not publicly condemned Trump or any of his tactics, but behind closed doors it has been said that Prince Harry is not a fan. The Queen also may have slightly shaded Trump with her choice of brooches the last time he visited. But political views aside, the queen has hosted two previous state visits from US presidents, including President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, so this visit is not out of the ordinary.
"Whatever their private views, however, members of the Royal Family are always more than gracious hosts," English added in a tweet.
