The monarch has decided to keep his schedule unchanged this week despite the unlikelihood of a meeting with his grandchildren and Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex is expected to arrive in the UK solo, as he deemed it unsafe for Meghan and their children to travel to London. The King’s anticipation of a potential reunion with Archie and Lilibet now seems dim due to the sudden change in plans by the duke.
Meghan, aged 44, has not visited the UK since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, accompanied by Harry. The children have not been in the UK since June of the same year during the late Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations. The King has had limited encounters with Archie during Harry and Meghan’s UK residence and has only met Lilibet once in the summer of 2022.
Harry and Meghan recently revealed their UK itinerary, which included various engagements in London and Birmingham. However, they had to revise their plans after being notified by the Home Office that they would not receive taxpayer-funded security during their visit. This security funding was revoked when the couple stepped back from their royal duties in 2020.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Sussexes’ travel arrangements has been described as tiresome by royal sources. The King remains committed to his scheduled public and private engagements for the upcoming week, with no last-minute modifications planned. There is also frustration over Harry’s lack of communication regarding his travel plans and the absence of a response to an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace.
Efforts to facilitate a meeting between the King and Harry have been complicated by the sudden changes. Meghan and the children are not expected to travel to London this week, citing security concerns. The family may spend part of their time in the UK at Earl Spencer’s Althorp home in Northamptonshire. Harry’s upcoming public commitments include engagements in London and Birmingham, with no indication of a potential meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Sussexes are reported to have spent time at their Portugal holiday home while their security team works on travel logistics. There is speculation that they may meet the King at one of his country residences, although no formal request has been made. Buckingham Palace declined to provide any comments.