Prince Harry is determined that Meghan Markle's first return to Britain in four years will include a private visit to Princess Diana's grave at Althorp, where their children Archie and Lilibet are expected to pay their respects for the first time.
The Duchess of Sussex will travel to the UK this week with Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, joining her husband for the family trip. She has not visited Britain since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022.
Security Concerns Initially Kept Family Away
According to reports, security concerns had initially kept Meghan and the children from joining Harry earlier in his current UK visit. However, plans for their arrival have now been confirmed. The Duchess will not attend public engagements, including Friday's one-year countdown event for the Invictus Games at Birmingham's NEC, where Harry had been expected to appear with her.
Harry, who has been in Britain for a series of solo engagements, is understood to have long hoped to take his family to his mother's final resting place at the Spencer family estate in Northamptonshire. The visit to Althorp would mark a significant personal milestone for the children, who have not seen their grandfather King Charles since 2022. Harry himself has met the King only twice in the past two and a half years.
Althorp Closure Fuels Speculation
The timing aligns with heightened interest in the estate. Althorp House has reportedly closed to the public on select dates this month, fuelling speculation of a private family visit shortly after what would have been Princess Diana's 65th birthday on July 1.
Harry has previously spoken movingly of bringing Meghan to the grave in 2022, describing in his memoir Spare how she prayed for 'clarity' and 'guidance' at the site.
Tensions Remain Amid Royal Rift
The trip comes amid ongoing tensions. Yesterday, Harry attended private meetings at the Royal Hospital Chelsea following his High Court defeat against Associated Newspapers the previous day. The judge dismissed all 97 allegations of unlawful information gathering made by Harry and other high-profile claimants. Harry described the ruling as a 'complete and obvious whitewash'.
Buckingham Palace had offered accommodation with security for the family, but the invitation was reportedly withdrawn after Harry failed to provide timely acceptance and raised concerns about the arrangements. Royal sources have expressed weariness over the changing plans.
Harry was seen stepping out for Invictus Games Foundation meetings near where the King was visiting the British Transport Police headquarters, though no meeting between father and son has been confirmed.
The family's low-key visit is expected to focus on private matters rather than public duties. Other senior royals continue with a full summer schedule, including engagements by the King and Queen, and the Prince of Wales.
