The Duchess of Sussex postponed her journey and travelled to the UK covertly
Friends of Meghan Markle have said she would have experienced feelings of humiliation and profound sadness during her return to Britain after a four-year absence.
The trip saw the Duchess of Sussex remain entirely out of public view throughout her time in the country.
Allies of the couple claim Meghan has stepped back, allowing Prince Harry to navigate the ongoing tensions with the Royal Family.
A source close to the pair described the circumstances surrounding the visit as "quite stressful."
Another insider told the publication there was "a lot of sadness" after Meghan's hopes of publicly supporting her husband at events in London and Birmingham collapsed.
The Duke had originally intended for Meghan and their children to accompany him throughout the five-day visit, which centred on Invictus Games commitments and his former charitable organisations.
Just hours before his arrival in London, the situation descended into further turmoil when an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace was rescinded.
Meghan subsequently postponed her journey and travelled to the country covertly, accompanied by seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet.
Security worries were cited as the reason for her discreet arrival.
A friend of the couple told People magazine that Meghan would have felt "humiliated" by how events transpired.
The accommodation row stemmed from the King reportedly losing patience after Harry hesitated over the initial invitation to stay at the Palace.
The Duke had first turned down the offer before later attempting to reverse his decision, only to find the deadline had passed.
Confusion mounted when Harry's spokesman that he would be staying at the royal residence, but Palace aides subsequently made clear he had responded too late.
A source told People that when it comes to relations with his family, Meghan "always lets him lead."
"This is not the first time it has not been plain sailing with correspondence or trying to make things work," the insider added.
Despite the turbulent week, the visit concluded on a more positive note with a private gathering at Highgrove.
The King and Queen Camilla welcomed Harry, Meghan and their children for what is understood to have been approximately an hour-long meeting.
The reunion held particular significance as it represented the first occasion the 77-year-old monarch, who continues to receive cancer treatment, had seen his daughter-in-law and grandchildren in person since 2022.
