King Charles is reportedly hoping 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 opted not to join her husband in London this week as he began his five-day trip to the UK. It is understood the Sussexes’ decision came amid mounting security concerns about their safety while they’re in the country.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lost their armed police protection when they stepped down as senior working royals in 2020. The Duke of Sussex had been waiting for a decision on a security reassessment by the Risk Management Board (RMB), part of the process through which the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) rules on his security requirements.
Just days before the trip began, the Sussexes were informed that no decision had been made, while reports suggested that a request for police protection for the upcoming trip had been denied.
It is still unclear whether the Duchess will travel to the UK at all, while there is hope that she could still join him in Birmingham.
King Charles has told his aides to try and secure a time in his diary that suits Harry and Meghan, The Mirror reports.
The King is said to be hopeful this will also reunite him with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for the first time since 2022.
Although Meghan, Archie and Lilibet are not currently in the UK, it is reported that Harry could be planning to fly them over for a brief visit.
A royal source told the Mirror: “While nothing has been ruled out, conversations remain ongoing.”
However, it's believed that after initially declining an invitation to stay at the royal residence, Prince Harry later equested one night's stay at Buckingham Palace. Reports suggest that the King has been advised to refrain from seeing his son.
This was to avoid compromising his constitutional position as king, as they still awaited Harry's High Court case judgement. Although it was confirmed the duke lost the High Court case against Associated Newspapers on Tuesday, July 7.
One source even explained that Harry had continuously changing his mind and so left the palace with no choice but to say "forget it".
Now, sources have claimed Meghan is not happy with the way the palace has treated her husband during his UK stay and doesn't wish to meet them. In doing so, she may be sacrificing her once 'close bond' with the king and any chance at repairing what has already been damaged since their step back from the family.
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 revealed why he believes a UK visit could have been a real turning point for Meghan Markle.
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 added how this may have affected the king's feelings towards her. He shared: "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."
