As Prince Archie prepares to celebrate his seventh birthday on 6 May, royal experts suggest the occasion serves as another poignant reminder of the fractured relationship between Prince Harry and his father, King Charles. Archie, along with his younger sister Princess Lilibet, four, has not seen their paternal grandfather since June 2022, when the Sussex family visited the UK for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee festivities.
Royal Expert Weighs In on Estrangement
According to royal commentator Duncan Larcombe, the birthday underscores the ongoing rift between the monarch and his youngest son. "I think King Charles is full of regrets over the whole situation, he definitely wouldn't have wanted it to go this way," Larcombe told the Mirror. "He has spoken about how much he enjoys being a grandparent."
The King and Queen Consort Camilla were on an official visit to Berlin, Germany, when the palace announced Archie's birth at 05:26 on 6 May 2019, weighing 7lb 3oz. A statement from the monarch, posted on X by Clarence House, read: "We couldn't be more delighted at the news and we're looking forward to meeting the baby when we return." Prince William and Kate Middleton also shared a light-hearted message, writing: "We're absolutely thrilled - welcome to the Sleep Deprivation Society!"
No Reunion During US State Visit
King Charles and Camilla's recent state visit to the United States did not include a reunion with Prince Harry or his children. Royal author Richard Palmer noted that the high-profile trip might have created "awkward" moments for the Sussexes. "I'm sure there'll be sadness there," Palmer said. "And if it's being talked about at Archie and Lilibet's schools or nurseries, it would certainly be awkward. It's upsetting for both the Sussexes and the King."
Palmer added that during the Sussexes' visit for the Queen's jubilee, a senior royal figure made it clear that the King was thrilled to spend time with his grandchildren. "There were hopes at that stage that things could be improved, but sadly that's not how it's worked out and there've been quite a few setbacks since then."
King Charles's Bond with UK Grandchildren
In contrast, King Charles has frequently been photographed enjoying time with his UK-based grandchildren: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight. A photograph released for his 70th birthday in November 2018 showed him surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren, with George on his knee. Reflecting on grandparenthood, Charles once said: "It's a different part of your life. The great thing is to encourage them. Show them things to take their interest. My grandmother did that, she was wonderful. It is very important to create a bond when they are very young."
