Meghan Markle reportedly feels 'a lot of sadness' following her recent UK visit with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5), to see King Charles at Highgrove House. The visit marked a significant step in royal relations, as the Sussexes have had limited involvement with the royal family since stepping down as senior members in 2020.
Family reunion at Highgrove
King Charles hosted Prince Harry at his private Gloucestershire estate last week, with Harry joined by Meghan and their children. This was a rare occasion, as Harry's children had only seen their grandfather once since 2022, when they celebrated the late Queen Elizabeth's platinum jubilee. The family of four has been living in the US since their dramatic exit from royal duties.
Invictus Games and security concerns
Harry was in the UK to mark one year until his Invictus Games, scheduled for Birmingham in 2027. Despite speculation that Meghan would spend the summer at their newly renovated Portugal villa, the Sussexes chose to visit the UK despite security concerns. Harry had wanted Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet to join him for the Invictus countdown but had safety concerns due to the lack of police protection during their visit. Harry decided to complete public engagements solo and went to Highgrove with his family for a private visit.
Meghan's sadness and support
A source told People that Meghan 'is very supportive' of her husband and 'there's a lot of sadness' regarding her inability to be by Harry's side during Invictus promo. Another source claimed that, regarding the royal family, Meghan 'always lets [Harry] lead.' Russell Myers, author of William & Catherine, said the UK trip has been 'quite stressful,' mainly due to security issues. Harry and Meghan were stripped of taxpayer-funded police protection, and Harry lost a legal challenge to have it reinstated in May last year. Harry currently pays for a private security team, which he says lacks proper jurisdiction in the UK.
Strain and urgency
An insider told Closer earlier this year that the security situation 'is said to be causing strain between the couple.' Myers described the UK trip as a 'nightmare' and evidence of the 'fractiousness of Harry's relationship with the institution.' Despite these issues, Harry had 'hopes of arranging a private meeting with King Charles' and was 'determined to make it happen,' according to a May insider. The insider said Harry was keen for 'Charles to spend proper time with Archie and Lilibet' and 'feels time is precious and that the children need to see their grandfather now,' adding: 'There's a growing urgency around wanting the children to have memories with Charles.'
