King Charles could make one move this year that would prove whether or not his reconciliation with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a success. According to royal commentator Jasmine Carey, the monarch's decision to include a photograph from their recent private reunion in his annual Christmas Day address would be the ultimate sign of hope—or its absence could reveal lingering discord.
The Secret Highgrove Reunion
Almost a week has passed since the royal family achieved a landmark reunion, not at a palace or grand event, but at the King's private Highgrove home. Away from cameras, the public, and the media, King Charles and Queen Camilla met with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The meeting marked the first time the monarch had seen the family of four together since 2022, fulfilling a long-held wish of the King.
While no official photographs or details of the reunion have been released, speculation is rife that at least one image was taken—perhaps by a trusted aide—to be shared only with the King's permission. "It's hard to believe this wouldn't have happened," Carey noted, adding that if a photograph exists, Charles faces an important choice.
The Christmas Address as a Barometer
Every year on Christmas Day, the monarch addresses the nation, often seated at a desk with family photographs or with clips of the Royal Family from the past year. In recent years, Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet have been absent from these broadcasts, reflecting their move to the United States and their departure from royal duties in 2020. Since 2022, the King had only seen Harry, not Meghan or the grandchildren, until last week.
Carey argues that if the reunion went well—as reports suggest—Charles could include a photograph of the family in his Christmas message. "If a photograph is shared of the reunion, it really would represent the messages of love, family and forgiveness," she wrote, noting that this would be especially meaningful after the tensions caused by Harry and Meghan's criticisms of the monarchy.
What It Would Mean for Harry and Meghan
Including such a photograph would be a powerful gesture, signaling that the rift has healed. However, the decision is not without risk. Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals, so there is no obligation for the King to showcase the moment publicly. "But if I was Harry and Meghan, I would be nervous," Carey said. "Because if the King does have a photograph, and does put it in his Christmas message, this would be the ultimate sign of hope. If he doesn’t… well, what does that say about the ongoing state of the relationship?"
The existence of a photograph remains unconfirmed, and the public may have to wait until December to see whether the King chooses to display it. "I guess we just need to wait five months to see," Carey concluded, leaving royal watchers in suspense.
