Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to receive varying degrees of welcome from members of the Royal Family during their upcoming visit to the UK this month. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may bring their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, for the first time in four years to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games. However, Harry's past allegations against his family have created tensions, with some royals more open to reconciliation than others.
King Charles Leads the Welcome
According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, King Charles is among the royals most likely to welcome Harry and Meghan. He told the Daily Mail: "He will put the emphasis on reconciliation and seeing his grandchildren, who he has not seen for four years." Fitzwilliams added that while Charles "won't have forgotten the Sussexes' transgressions," his age and battle with cancer make him want to be "as constructive as the situation allows." Charles may have even been involved in coordinating the trip behind the scenes.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have faced their own royal drama following their father's arrest in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, may sympathize with Harry and Meghan's headline-making exploits. Harry has historically been friendly with his cousins. However, Fitzwilliams noted that any meeting would likely be private: "Harry and Meghan won't want to be too close to the sisters as they are far too controversial because of their disgraced parents. They may, of course, see them privately, but we may not hear of it."
Princess Anne's Cautious Welcome
Princess Anne, known for her no-nonsense approach, has largely stayed out of reported rifts within the Firm. She supported Harry and Meghan's decision to step down as senior royals in 2020 and is likely to be welcoming, though wary. Fitzwilliams said: "Anne is a famously no-nonsense working royal. She was publicly supportive of the Sussexes' decision to step down from royal duties. However, she was reportedly suspicious of Meghan ... She doesn't trust them either."
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh may offer a warm welcome out of sympathy for royals who have explored careers outside the family. They initially sought a similar arrangement but now serve as senior working royals. Fitzwilliams commented: "They have done very well as senior working royals. They appear to get on superficially with Harry and Meghan, but there is no evidence they are close."
Zara and Mike Tindall
Zara and Mike Tindall, known for their warm nature, have been close to Harry in the past, with Harry serving as godfather to their daughter Lena. However, Fitzwilliams noted that their friendship has cooled: "Their once close friendship with Harry has cooled after the rift, which they have avoided being involved with. They aren't likely to go out of their way to see them."
In contrast, the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to avoid Harry and Meghan during their trip, according to Fitzwilliams. The visit is set against the backdrop of Harry's various claims, including allegations that King Charles was jealous of Meghan and Kate, and that Prince William physically attacked him. Despite these tensions, Fitzwilliams believes that some royals will make an effort to ensure the visit goes smoothly.
