King Charles is reportedly hoping to arrange a meeting with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following a turbulent few days for the Duke of Sussex during his UK trip
Meghan was thought to have a ‘close bond’ with the King(Image: Getty)
King Charles is reportedly keen to arrange a meeting with his son, Prince Harry, and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle, following a turbulent few days for the Duke of Sussex.
The Duchess of Sussex chose not to accompany her husband to London this week as he embarked on his five-day visit to the UK. It is understood the Sussexes’ decision was taken amid growing security concerns regarding their safety while in the country.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their armed police protection withdrawn when they stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020. The Duke of Sussex had been awaiting the outcome of a security reassessment by the Risk Management Board (RMB), part of the procedure through which the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) determines his security requirements.
Just days before the visit, the Sussexes were notified that no decision had been reached, while reports indicated that a request for police protection during the forthcoming trip had been refused.
Meghan launched her own lifestyle brand in 2025(Image: Getty)
It remains uncertain whether the Duchess will travel to the UK at all, though there is hope she could yet join him in Birmingham.
King Charles has instructed his aides to endeavour to find a suitable slot in his diary for Harry and Meghan, according to The Mirror.
The King is said to be optimistic that the meeting will also reunite him with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for the first time since 2022. While Meghan, Archie and Lilibet are not presently in the UK, reports suggest that Harry could be considering flying them over for a short visit.
A royal source informed the Mirror: “While nothing has been ruled out, conversations remain ongoing.”
Nevertheless, it is understood that having initially turned down an invitation to remain at the royal residence, Prince Harry subsequently requested accommodation at Buckingham Palace for one evening. Reports indicate that the King has been counselled against meeting his son.
There is still time for her to make an appearance in the UK(Image: Getty)
This was intended to prevent any potential compromise to his constitutional position as monarch, while they awaited the outcome of Harry’s High Court case. The duke was confirmed to have lost the High Court case against Associated Newspapers on Tuesday, July 7.
One source even revealed that Harry had repeatedly altered his plans, leaving palace officials with little option but to declare “forget it”.
Sources have now claimed Meghan is unhappy with how the palace has handled her husband throughout his UK visit and has no desire to meet with them. By taking this stance, she may be forfeiting her previously ‘close bond’ with the King and any opportunity to repair the relationship damage that has occurred since their withdrawal from royal duties.
A source told journalist Rob Shuter on his Substack: “This was one insult too many. Meghan feels they’ve bent over backwards for Harry’s family, only to be embarrassed again. As far as she’s concerned, she’ll never see them again.”
Speaking to OLBG, former royal butler Grant Harrold explained why he thinks a UK visit might have represented a genuine turning point for Meghan Markle.
A former royal butler said King Charles will be sad and disappointed (Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images)
He said: “This trip could have been a big turning point for Meghan, as it could have been a huge step in terms of relations between her and the royals. A private, in-person meeting with her in-laws was the next positive step on their path to fix the upset. It also could have done wonders for her in terms of public perception.
“If she doesn’t come, it’s not going to fix anything. I think she’s basically saying if it doesn’t happen on our terms, it’s not going to happen. Even if that’s not what they intended, that’s how it’s coming across.”
The former royal butler went on to discuss how this might have impacted the King’s feelings towards her. He said: “I think the King will be really disappointed and upset. He had such a close bond with Meghan.
“I think he’ll be really upset, not just about missing out on the meeting but also on what it means for the future. I’d be interested to know if Meghan messaged the King personally to apologise.”