Friends of the Duke of Sussex have claimed that Prince Harry is desperately hoping his father, King Charles III, will make a trip to his and Meghan's Montecito mansion in 2026. The proposed visit would allow the monarch to spend time with his grandchildren, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four.
A Long-Awaited Royal Reunion
The King is not believed to have seen his youngest grandchildren since the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for the late Queen Elizabeth II in June 2022. The considerable distance has been compounded by Prince Harry's ongoing dispute over the removal of his taxpayer-funded armed police protection in the UK, which previously prevented him from travelling safely with his children. Furthermore, the King's own battle with cancer, diagnosed in February 2024, made a transatlantic journey by Charles highly unlikely.
However, the health landscape has shifted positively. In an unprecedented video message last month, the monarch revealed that his cancer treatment would be significantly scaled back in the New Year. Having described his health journey as a 'personal blessing', the improvement enhances the possibility of a family reunion in California.
Security Breakthrough Paves the Way
In a parallel development, the long-running security row that has kept Prince Harry and his family away from Britain appears to be nearing a resolution. Sources close to the Sussexes have indicated that the Duke has won the right to a Home Office review and that the reinstatement of his round-the-clock armed police protection is now 'nailed on'.
This follows an incident during a visit to London in September 2025, where a stalker was able to get dangerously close to the Prince, despite Metropolitan Police providing voluntary security for that specific event. A fresh risk assessment for the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) is understood to have led to the expected ruling in Harry's favour, which could be announced within weeks.
Opening Doors for Future Visits
The restoration of his security detail is a pivotal change. It not only makes Prince Harry's own trips to the UK safer but also makes it feasible for him to bring Archie and Lilibet across the Atlantic to visit their grandfather and the wider Royal Family. The last meeting between the King and his youngest son occurred in September 2025, ending a 19-month period without face-to-face contact.
With King Charles and Prince William scheduled to travel to the US separately in April for trade discussions, hopes are rising for a detour to Montecito. A source stated: 'Harry has made it clear that he would love his dad to come and visit him and the family. He knows that they are strained, but he has mentioned several times a hope that his father can have a relationship with his grandchildren.'
While representatives for the Duke of Sussex have been contacted for comment, the combined factors of the King's improving health and the imminent security resolution are building a credible path for the royal family to bridge the physical and emotional distance that has separated them for years.
