Princess Lilibet turned five last week, meaning she now has to adhere to a strict royal protocol if she meets King Charles. With rumours swirling that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their children will travel to the UK for an Invictus event, a reunion with the King would require Lilibet to bow or curtsy to the sovereign.
Prince Harry's Upcoming UK Visit
The Duke of Sussex is expected to visit Birmingham in July for a special Invictus event marking the one-year countdown to the 2027 Games. While it is not confirmed if Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet will join him, speculation is high that the family may make a rare trip to Harry's home country.
Royal Protocol for Children Over Five
From age five, young members of the Royal Family are expected to bow or curtsy to the reigning monarch, according to commentator Marlene Eilers Koenig. She told Hello! Magazine: "Certainly [they will follow that rule] by age five. The only person they will curtsy or bow to is the sovereign." Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette added that royal children begin etiquette training "as soon as they're old enough to sit at a table."
Possible Reunion with King Charles
If the Sussexes do visit, there is speculation they may reunite with King Charles, who has not seen his youngest grandchildren for several years. Prince Harry is reportedly hoping to see his father during the visit, though it remains uncertain if they will meet face-to-face after nearly a year of estrangement.
Invitation to Balmoral?
Some royal fans and commentators speculate whether the family might receive an invitation to join the Royal Family at Balmoral for summer holidays. Royal author Ingrid Seward told the Mirror that the King could extend an invitation if Harry agrees to certain rules, including signing confidentiality agreements.
The Invictus Games in Birmingham are scheduled for July 2027, and Meghan has attended previous Games in Germany (2023) and Canada (2025). Whether the children will join remains to be seen, but if they do, royal protocol will be in effect.
