- Sussexes' Jordan tour lacks royal meetings
- Humanitarian visits amid diplomatic speculations
- British Embassy's role questioned
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a whirlwind tour of the Middle East, arriving in Amman, Jordan, late Tuesday night. Their visit, filled with humanitarian engagements, bore similarities to royal tours of the past, yet was conspicuously devoid of any meetings with the Jordanian royal family. Despite a packed schedule that included a visit to a rehab center and a gathering at the British Ambassador's residence, critics have labeled the latter as "entirely inappropriate." The couple's choice of attire, with Meghan opting for a high-street Zara jacket, was also noted during their visit to the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts.
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Sussexes' Tour Lacks Royal Engagement
King Abdullah II of Jordan, known for his close ties with the British royal family, notably did not meet with Harry and Meghan. The King, who has previously been seen warmly interacting with King Charles and was a VVIP guest at the coronation, instead met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during the Sussexes' visit. The absence of a meeting with the Jordanian royals was highlighted by a source who stated, "There is no meeting scheduled between the Duke and Duchess [of Sussex] and the Jordanian Royal Family." The only interaction with the Jordanian royals was a brief encounter with Princess Basma Bint Talal.
Diplomatic Speculations and Humanitarian Efforts
The Sussexes' tour, while focused on humanitarian causes, also raised questions about diplomatic protocols. Their partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) was evident, yet King Abdullah met with WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus without the Sussexes. This, coupled with the lack of a traditional royal welcome, led to speculation about whether this was a deliberate snub or a mere scheduling conflict. A royal insider suggested that the visit mimicked royal engagements but "seems to be lacking in the ceremonial side of things."
British Embassy's Involvement
The role of the British Embassy in Amman during the Sussexes' visit was also under scrutiny. Former Tory minister Tim Loughton criticized the British Ambassador's involvement, stating it was "entirely inappropriate" given Harry and Meghan's status as private citizens. The ambassador's welcome was seen as a potential endorsement of the couple's visit, which some viewed as inconsistent with their non-royal status. The presence of British diplomats was described as "intriguing," with speculation that it might have been an attempt to showcase Britain's interests in the region.
