Get PolitiFact in your inbox.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is driven following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II after the queen's funeral service in Westminster Abbey, in central London Monday Sept. 19, 2022. (AP) Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is driven following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II after the queen's funeral service in Westminster Abbey, in central London Monday Sept. 19, 2022. (AP)

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is driven following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II after the queen's funeral service in Westminster Abbey, in central London Monday Sept. 19, 2022. (AP)

Ciara O'Rourke
By Ciara O'Rourke September 21, 2022

Meghan Markle attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, despite claim otherwise

If Your Time is short

  • Meghan Markle attended the queen’s funeral. 
 

Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — stepped down from their royal duties in 2020, their relationships with the rest of the royal family have been the subject of much speculation and gossip. 

Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Sept. 8 intensified that scrutiny, and one recent Facebook post claimed that tensions between Markle and the queen were high enough that she was banned from Elizabeth’s funeral. 

"SO SAD for Meghan as she was DENIED to join THE FUNERAL by QUEEN’S LAST ORDER," the Sept. 17 post said. 

This post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook.)

But this is codswallop

A quick online search reveals plenty of news reports and photos of Markle at the queen’s funeral and no word about a supposed "last order" denying her the opportunity to attend. 

"Prince Harry and Meghan Markle occupied highly visible spots at the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II" on Sept. 19, Time reported. Markle wore a pair of diamond-and pearl stud earrings gifted to her by the queen, Harper's Bazaar said. People noted that Markle wiped away a tear as she shared a "sweet moment with Princess Charlotte," her niece, at the funeral. 

We rate claims that she wasn’t there False.

 

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

More by Ciara O'Rourke

Meghan Markle attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, despite claim otherwise

Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!

In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.

Sign me up