Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the UK for a series of public appearances, but royal expert Roya Nikkhah has revealed that Harry has not yet met his father, King Charles, in person since their arrival.
No face-to-face meeting with the King
Speaking on The Royals podcast, Nikkhah, royal editor at The Sunday Times, discussed the state of Harry's relationship with the monarch, who continues to receive cancer treatment. She told co-host Kate Mansey: "We know that one of the main reasons Harry and Meghan moved back was because he really wants to spend more time with his father."
"The King is still receiving cancer treatment. We're told by the palace, there's a very positive direction of travel for his health, but he's still receiving cancer treatment at the age of 77," she added.
Phone calls and improving relationship
Despite the lack of a face-to-face meeting, Nikkhah said there had been positive developments. "He hasn't seen his father since he's been back. The King's been out in Scotland a lot, but he has been down a few times. We're told they're speaking on the phone, a fair amount, I understand, and I'm told actually that relationship is getting better," she said.
The royal correspondent added that she was unaware of Harry having met any other members of the Royal Family since his return, suggesting the couple had not received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic welcome. "But the rest of the Royal Family, I'm not aware that he has seen any other members of the Royal Family yet since he's been back, and it doesn't feel like they've been welcomed back with arms wide open," she said.
Public engagements in Nottingham
Harry and Meghan set up home in England in August, six years after stepping away from their roles as senior working royals and relocating to the United States. Their latest visit saw them greeted by well-wishers outside the Community Recording Studio in St Ann's, Nottingham, where they began a series of three engagements on Thursday.
The couple greeted members of the public, shaking hands, posing for selfies and embracing some of those who had gathered to see them. Meghan was heard telling one woman: "Oh it's great to be back".
They were also due to visit Himmah Hub, a community action group tackling food poverty, and Epic Partners, which supports young people through sport and mentoring.
Although the appearances carried many of the familiar features of a royal visit, the events were not official royal engagements. A letter authorised by the King last month reiterated that Harry and Meghan remain "private citizens".
The couple are also awaiting a decision on whether they will receive taxpayer-funded security while in the UK, with Harry reportedly concerned about potential delays following a review of protection arrangements for public figures.
Meghan's appearance marked her first public engagements in Britain since the late Queen's funeral in 2022, adding further significance to the Sussexes' return.
