Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to bring their children, Archie and Lilibet, to the UK next month for events leading up to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. The visit could offer King Charles a rare chance to see his grandchildren, whom he last saw in 2022 during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has described the potential reunion as a 'last chance' for reconciliation. Writing in The i newspaper, Bond said: 'If King Charles finds some excuse to avoid them, it's game over. The rift will surely be permanent.'
Security concerns, a key source of Harry's resentment, appear to have been addressed. Bond noted: 'We can only assume that Harry has been given a rock-solid assurance – either temporary or permanent – that he and his family will be given proper security.'
However, Bond warned that the King faces a delicate balancing act due to Prince William's ongoing anger over Harry's memoir, Spare. 'If [King Charles] makes peace with his youngest son, his loyal and steadfast older son will have his nose royally put out of joint,' she said, adding that there is 'absolutely no sign of any thaw in the brotherly feud.'
Public opinion remains divided, with Prince William enjoying a 77% approval rating while Meghan ranks near the bottom. Bond predicted Meghan would be 'shielded from any hostile crowd' during the visit, but noted that within the Invictus community, she is 'still a star and can expect the warmest of welcomes.'
