The Duchess of Sussex has been warned by a leading royal expert that she may have to "bear the brunt" over what could be a "sad" future situation for her two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Meghan Markle's two children with Prince Harry have hardly set foot in the UK, last returning for a private visit this summer. Before that, they had not visited since Queen Elizabeth II marked her Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Archie and Lilibet's relationship with the royal family
The Sussex children's relationship with their estranged family in the UK has long been a subject of discussion among royal commentators and fans alike. Unlike their cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, Archie and his sister Lilibet are not thought to have a close relationship with King Charles, and it is not known when they last saw their aunt and uncle, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The family have spent very little time in the UK.
Expert's warning about the future
One top royal commentator has issued a warning about the youngsters eventually having a strong understanding of their royal heritage when they are older, and what it could mean for Meghan.
Former BBC royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, said that Archie and Lilibet will likely be "innately curious about their heritage and background" and that will create a "sad" predicament.
She told OK! Magazine: "When your heritage is one of the most famous families in the world, it will undoubtedly seem rather odd and perhaps sad that you hardly know or remember them.
"Imagine Archie, aged 15, telling his friends, 'My grandpa is/was King! And my Uncle is/will be King too.' But he hardly knew or met them. How sad… and Meghan would have to bear the brunt of the responsibility for that."
Hope for a more united family
However, Ms Bond added that Meghan will undoubtedly want "the best for her children" and sparked hope that the two sides could, in the future, be "more united".
She explained: "I'm sure that, like Harry, she [Meghan] wants the very best for their children... and that will include an understanding of their background.
"I just hope that by the time Archie and Lili grow up, things will be calmer and the family more united, even if they continue to live thousands of miles apart.
"This is not the children's fault or responsibility, so let's hope the adults can make it a better world for the next generation of royals."
