Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are expected to travel to Britain with their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in July. This visit presents a rare opportunity for the children to see their grandfather, King Charles III, after four years. The visit coincides with promotional events for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham that Harry is set to host. Reports from News.co.au and Britain’s Daily Telegraph indicate that Harry plans to bring his family for this anticipated reunion.
Why the Visit Matters
King Charles last saw his grandchildren in 2022 when Harry and Meghan visited London for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. This occasion was Lilibet’s first and only trip to London, and she was too young to retain memories of the visit. Thus, this new trip offers the children the chance to create enduring memories with their grandfather.
Potential Meeting with King Charles
“The fact that both Harry and Meghan are coming, I think is a big deal and bringing their children is another big deal,” said U.K. based royal commentator Afua Hagan in an interview with Newsweek. “I think this really does open the door towards a meeting with King Charles because he would absolutely love to see his grandchildren.”
This potential meeting could symbolize a step forward in healing the rift between Harry and his father. Their strained relationship was publicly highlighted in Harry’s interviews and his book, “Spare.” However, following the publication of the memoir in January 2023, there seems to have been a reduction in public hostilities.
Police Protection and Security Concerns
Harry has voiced concerns about his family’s safety in the U.K. without Metropolitan Police protection. This protection was revoked in 2020 after he stepped back from his royal duties. Although the U.K. Home Office occasionally grants protection, it typically occurs only when Harry receives an official invitation from the palace.
The accompanying presence of the children suggests that a meeting with the king might be in the works, though no formal arrangement has been confirmed. Afua Hagan remarked that the security arrangements indicate “an invitation from the King,” which meets the protective measures Harry has requested.
Improving Relations
Tensions between Harry and Charles seemed to ease following Harry’s BBC interview, where he expressed a wish for reconciliation. In summer 2025, aides from both sides met in London, fueling speculation of a thaw. By September, Harry met Charles at Clarence House, marking their first meeting in several months. The meeting occurred after Charles announced a cancer diagnosis. Harry’s public expression of reconciliation in his interview may have contributed to this development.
Currently, this thaw appears to be restricted to Harry and Charles. A warm meeting with Meghan and the children could signal a broader healing. However, Prince William’s stance, reportedly more rigid than Charles’, might still impede full reconciliation in the future.