Prince Harry could potentially make a solo trip to the United Kingdom without his wife Meghan Markle, and the reason behind this potential separation has been revealed. According to reports, the Duke of Sussex’s son, Prince Archie, is “desperate” to visit the UK and meet his grandfather, King Charles III, but Meghan is reluctant to encourage this desire.
According to a report by Daily Express, Royal expert Tom Quinn disclosed to The Mirror, “Archie loves the idea that his grandad lives in a castle and Meghan was worried that a magnificent shepherd’s hut or similar extravagant present will only increase Archie’s growing interest in his royal connections.” Meghan’s concern stems from her desire to prevent her son from developing a “longed-for fantasy” about Britain and the royal lifestyle.
Quinn further explained, “She doesn’t want Britain to become a longed-for fantasy for her son so she had been pushing Harry to insist that his father gets Archie a simple present.” This stance highlights Meghan’s efforts to shield Archie from becoming overly enamored with his royal heritage.
In contrast, King Charles is said to be eager to indulge his grandchildren, partly because “he wants to make up for what he sees as his neglect of his own sons in their youth.” The monarch’s desire to make amends for his perceived shortcomings as a father could potentially drive him to extend lavish gifts to Archie and his sister, Princess Lilibet.
The Sussexes, who stepped down as working royals in 2020 and relocated to Montecito, California, have limited their children’s exposure to the Royal Family. Archie and Lilibet have not visited the UK since the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.
Royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths expressed skepticism about Meghan accompanying Harry and the children on a potential visit to the UK, even if King Charles extends an invitation to Balmoral for the summer. “Even if Harry comes, I can’t imagine a world in which Meghan comes over with the kids, it’s really sad,” Griffiths told TalkTV. “Meghan was never really very enamoured with the rural royal life and the sort of cold two bar radiators and the boot rooms.”
An insider revealed to Page Six, “I can see Charles desperately wanting to see the children, and extending this olive branch to Meghan and Harry. He may decide that life is just too short.” The source added, “Balmoral is truly the perfect, restful place for a reunion. If he does issue an invite, then Harry and Meghan should surely agree to the visit.”
Despite the potential for a reunion, it has been reported that Archie and Lilibet will not make appearances in their parents’ upcoming TV shows for Netflix, as Harry and Meghan wish to keep their children’s lives private. Quinn stated, “He is apparently desperate to come to the UK with his father, but Meghan and Harry don’t want to encourage this,” highlighting the conflicting desires within the family.
