Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to visit Britain in July, bringing their children Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. This visit marks the first opportunity in four years for the children to see their grandfather, King Charles III. Harry’s return aligns with promotional events for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Harry and Meghan’s last visit with their children was for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Lilibet was only one year old then, likely too young to remember. This upcoming visit offers a chance to create meaningful memories with their grandfather.
King Charles’s Anticipation
U.K. royal commentator, Afua Hagan, told Newsweek the visit is significant. She noted that both Harry and Meghan bringing their children indicates potential for a meeting with King Charles, who wishes to see his grandchildren. Such a meeting could help mend the strained relationship between Harry and his father.
The rift between Harry and the royal family was highlighted in interviews and Harry’s book, Spare. However, since the memoir’s release in January 2023, tensions have eased somewhat. Harry’s last public criticism of Charles came when he discussed police protection for his family in May 2025. He accused Charles of impeding his safety efforts.
Police Protection Concerns
Harry maintains that his family’s safety in the U.K. is compromised without Metropolitan Police protection. This protection was removed in February 2020 after Harry stepped back from royal duties. Now, protection is sometimes granted under specific conditions, often requiring an invitation from the palace.
The possibility of bringing their children suggests a likely meeting with the king, though no plans have been confirmed publicly. Hagan believes an invitation implies that security arrangements satisfying Harry have been made.
“The security necessary for Harry to bring his family to the U.K. indicates a significant step,” Hagan stated. “It suggests Harry feels assured enough to visit with Meghan and the children.”
Improving Relations
A thaw in relations between Harry and Charles began after Harry described his wish for reconciliation in a BBC interview. In the summer of 2025, aides from both sides met informally, leading to Harry and Charles sharing tea at Clarence House in September.
This meeting, the first since February 2024, occurred after Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis. It followed Harry’s public expression for peace, where he stated that continuing hostilities served no purpose.
While current reconciliation efforts focus on Harry and Charles, if Meghan and the children connect positively with the king, it could mark a notable development. Nevertheless, challenges remain. Prince William reportedly holds a stricter stance than Charles about the Sussexes’ place in royal life.
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