King Charles is reportedly 'sad and disappointed' after Meghan Markle chose not to accompany Prince Harry on his UK visit, further straining family relations. The Duke of Sussex arrived in London for a five-day trip without his wife, amid ongoing security concerns that have plagued the couple since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
Security Concerns and Missed Opportunities
The Duchess of Sussex's absence stems from heightened security worries. The couple's armed police protection was withdrawn after they resigned as senior working royals. Prince Harry had been awaiting a security reassessment by the Risk Management Board (RMB), part of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec). Just days before the visit, the Sussexes were informed that no decision had been reached, and a request for police protection during the trip was refused.
It remains uncertain whether Meghan will travel to the UK at all, though there is hope she might join Harry in Birmingham. King Charles has instructed his aides to find a suitable slot in his diary for a meeting with Harry and Meghan, according to The Mirror. The King is optimistic that the meeting could also reunite him with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for the first time since 2022. While Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet are not currently in the UK, reports suggest Harry is considering flying them over for a short visit.
Failed Attempts at Reconciliation
A royal source told the Mirror: 'While nothing has been ruled out, conversations remain ongoing.' However, Prince Harry initially turned down an invitation to stay at a royal residence and later requested accommodation at Buckingham Palace for one evening. Reports indicate that the King has been advised against meeting his son to avoid compromising his constitutional position as monarch, pending the outcome of Harry's High Court case. The duke lost his High Court case against Associated Newspapers on Tuesday, July 7.
One source revealed that Harry repeatedly altered his plans, leaving palace officials with little option but to declare 'forget it'. Sources now claim Meghan is unhappy with how the palace handled her husband during his UK visit and has no desire to meet with them. By taking this stance, she may be forfeiting her previously 'close bond' with the King and any opportunity to repair the relationship damage since their withdrawal from royal duties.
Insiders Express Disappointment
A source told journalist Rob Shuter on his Substack: 'This was one insult too many. Meghan feels they've bent over backwards for Harry's family, only to be embarrassed again. As far as she's concerned, she'll never see them again.'
Former royal butler Grant Harrold, speaking to OLBG, explained why a UK visit could have been a turning point for Meghan. He said: 'This trip could have been a big turning point for Meghan, as it could have been a huge step in terms of relations between her and the royals. A private, in-person meeting with her in-laws was the next positive step on their path to fix the upset. It also could have done wonders for her in terms of public perception.'
Harrold added: 'If she doesn't come, it's not going to fix anything. I think she's basically saying if it doesn't happen on our terms, it's not going to happen. Even if that's not what they intended, that's how it's coming across.'
The King's Emotional Response
The former royal butler discussed how this might have impacted the King's feelings. He said: 'I think the King will be really disappointed and upset. He had such a close bond with Meghan. I think he'll be really upset, not just about missing out on the meeting but also on what it means for the future. I'd be interested to know if Meghan messaged the King personally to apologise.'
