The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly preparing for a summer trip to the UK with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Reports indicate that King Charles is thrilled and waiting for the moment. Image credit: (Meghan Markle Instagram)
King Charles has made arrangements to see his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet for the first time since 2022, marking a major development in family relations. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children will finally meet their grandfather after years of separation following the late Queen’s platinum jubilee.
The upcoming summer visit to British soil promises to repair the great distance that existed between the king and his younger grandchildren.According to The Sun, King Charles is said to be “overjoyed” at the prospect of reconciling with his beloved grandchildren. Prince Harry, Meghan, Prince Archie, now seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are set to travel to the UK from July 6-10, for engagements in Birmingham and London linked to next year’s Invictus Games.
The family will be housed in a royal palace during their stay, marking a major transition six years after their departure for North America.
Accommodation options at the palace are being considered for the Sussexes
Buckingham Palace stands out as a prime candidate to accommodate the visiting family, with sources describing it as “the safest building in Britain”. The property is still undergoing an extensive renovation while maintaining round-the-clock protection from security personnel.
Windsor Castle and St James’s Palace have also been suggested as alternatives, along with Frogmore Cottage, the residence the couple had previously occupied before their move across the Atlantic.
Princess Lilibet, the daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan, has only visited the UK once since her birth, and reports suggest she may soon meet King Charles. Image credit: (Meghan Markle Instagram)
It has remained empty since the King banished the Sussexes from the estate in 2022. For the Duchess, this will be her first return to British soil since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022. It is understood that an agreement is in place, ensuring that the King will spend time with Archie and Lilibet during the visit.
A long-awaited grandpa moment with the young royals
The young royals, who are sixth and seventh in line to the throne, have been kept away from Britain since Harry lost his round-the-clock security following the couple’s departure in 2020. It remains uncertain whether Meghan will accompany her husband and children when they meet the king. The arrangement signals tangible progress in the relationship between Charles and his younger grandchildren, who were largely raised outside the UK.
Limited potential for broader family reconciliation
But the visit will not achieve reconciliation between the brothers. Prince Harry is not expected to meet the Prince of Wales, as the couple are believed to have not been in contact since their grandmother’s funeral nearly four years ago. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams revealed to GB News that William has been “deeply betrayed” by Harry’s actions and is “unlikely” to reunite with his estranged brother.Harry had previously expressed his hope to heal the family rift, and told the BBC in May 2025 of his desire for reconciliation. In September of that year, he met his father for about 45 minutes at Clarence House, and presented Charles with a framed photo of his children. The Duke also traveled to Britain alone when the King received his cancer diagnosis two years ago, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining some form of relationship with the King despite ongoing tensions with other members of the royal family.