Despite that, the prince’s friends have said he is ‘going to have some fun’ this week than on previous trips; his plans include attending the WellChild Awards, visiting Nottingham for an engagement focused on helping young people affected by violence and private meetings with most of his other charities and patronages, including the Invictus Foundation, the Diana Award and Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
King Charles has not seen his grandchildren since June 2022, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reunited with the royal family to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In June 2024, sources told The Mirror that the King was ‘keener than ever’ to spend time with Archie and Lilibet. Despite only meeting the children on a few occasions, insiders said that he is ‘absolutely committed to being present’ in their lives. They said: ‘He values family above everything, and whatever the course of his relationship with his son, he would never be content with just seeing his grandchildren on the odd video call.’