The monarch has no intention of adjusting his schedule this week, as a potential reunion with his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, and his son, Prince Harry, seems increasingly unlikely. Prince Harry is set to arrive in the UK solo tomorrow, deciding it was safer not to bring his wife Meghan and their children to London. The King had been anticipating the visit but now faces disappointment due to Harry’s change of plans.
Meghan, 44, has not been back to the UK since the Queen’s funeral in September 2022, and the children have been absent since June of the same year when they visited for the Queen’s platinum jubilee. The King has had limited interactions with Archie and has only met Lilibet once during the summer of 2022.
Harry and Meghan had recently announced their UK itinerary, which included various engagements in London and Birmingham. However, a last-minute alteration was made after the Home Office notified them that they would not receive taxpayer-funded security during their visit. This decision stemmed from their previous withdrawal from royal duties in 2020 and relocation to the US.
The ongoing saga surrounding the Sussexes’ travel plans has been described as tiresome by royal sources, who confirmed the King’s unchanged plans for the upcoming week. There is frustration over Harry’s lack of communication regarding his travel arrangements and the invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace.
Despite the challenges, Harry is scheduled for public engagements, including involvement with the Invictus Games Foundation in London and a court case against Associated Newspapers. He is also expected to visit Birmingham for charity events. The Prince and Princess of Wales have no plans to meet with Harry or his family during their potential stay.
As the week progresses, it remains uncertain if Meghan and the children will join Harry in the UK. The family may spend time at Earl Spencer’s Althorp home in Northamptonshire. Additionally, Harry is anticipated to attend a summer festival in Warwickshire, near Princess Diana’s burial site. Plans for a potential meeting between the King and Harry at one of the royal residences have not been finalized.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the situation.
