MCPE world does not load on iPad but though stuck on the iPad friends can enter and play in it on other devices

Large world - 12mgb - gets stuck on loading screen (see attached screenshot) - the tips continue to change as if the iPad is thinking but we never get into the world.  However, on another device (Android) I can be a friend and enter the world.  

Could it be related to the fact that we were lost in the End when we last closed the world? Other worlds on the iPad seem to load fine.  Please help us!!!

 

thanks, Matt