From royal reconciliations to health updates and high-profile comebacks, 2026 promises a dramatic year for key members of The Firm. Here’s what could be in store for the King, Queen, and other royals in the year ahead.
The King & Queen
Positive news for the King
The past two years have been extremely difficult for the King in the wake of his cancer diagnosis, but 2026 is looking more positive, with his doctors giving him the go-ahead to scale back his treatment. In a message recorded as part of a cancer campaign, His Majesty said, “Today I am able to share the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctor’s orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year.”
Looking ahead to 2026
Since his February 2024 cancer diagnosis, 77-year-old Charles has maintained a busy schedule despite regular treatment. Now he doesn’t need as much treatment, he’ll be able to fit in even more engagements, including overseas trips. New Zealand – which he missed when he went to Australia and Samoa in 2024 – could be top of the list of places he’d like to visit in 2026.
Queen Camilla’s health in focus
Queen Camilla, 78, will also prioritise her health. A bout of pneumonia at the end of 2024 left her with post-viral fatigue, and she had a few other issues, including severe sinusitis that led to her missing the Duchess of Kent’s funeral. Camilla reportedly has a major problem with her feet, including painful bunions, that sometimes make walking difficult. A source says she fears she may one day need to use a wheelchair, so she is making the most of her mobility now.
Harry & Meghan
Tense times for Harry & Meghan
It could be make or break for Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Royal biographer Tom Bower says Harry’s attempt to reconcile with his father during a brief visit in 2025 hasn’t worked and it’s highly unlikely a reconciliation is on the cards in 2026.
“There is no way back for him,” says Tom.
“I don’t think he’s that high up on Charles’ list of priorities.”
A palace source explains that Harry could win his father’s welcome by bringing his children, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet, to the UK, which would delight Charles. Harry, 41, may be able to plan a trip home with his children in 2026 thanks to news that the Home Office is reviewing possible threats to the family as part of his long battle with them over security.
Security concerns keep Harry hesistant
Since his police protection was removed after moving to the US, Harry has vowed not to take the kids to Britain. If he can reach a compromise to get some form of security when they visit, and take the kids to see their grandfather this year, that could help to heal the rift.
Meanwhile, Meghan, 44, will look for new ways of earning money. Her TV show, With Love, Meghan, has not done as well as hoped and Tom says the future success of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, will depend on how many products she sold before Christmas.
“Are people prepared to pay $32 for a jar of honey from the Duchess of Sussex? If it hasn’t worked at Christmas, they have a real problem about what they will do in 2026.”
Andrew & Fergie
A tough year for Andrew and Fergie
It might seem that 2026 couldn’t be worse for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson than the disastrous 2025. Losing their titles and getting kicked out of their home made it memorable for all the wrong reasons.
But events could be even more awful if Andrew ends up facing criminal charges. He has always denied Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault allegations and ignored requests to give evidence as part of US congressional investigations into Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking.
Accountability regardless of status
But the politicians looking into Epstein say they will “hold anyone involved in these crimes accountable, no matter their wealth or status.” That could be bad news for Andrew, 65. The former prince won’t be further investigated by UK police over claims he asked his bodyguard to dig up information on Virginia.
But he could face charges of financial impropriety relating to his work as a special trade envoy.
A royal expert says, “Without the protection his royal titles gave him, he’s wide open to legal action.”
Escape plan or reality check?
Writer Andrew Lownie says that if charges loom, Andrew will move to Abu Dhabi, where a palace awaits him.
“He’s not going to face charges.”
Fergie, 66, on the other hand, is likely to bounce back from the scandal as she has before.
“She’s planning a comeback, saying she can be an example of how to pick yourself up when you’re down. She’s shameless.”
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