King Charles is reportedly hopeful of meeting Prince Harry and his grandchildren this week, potentially setting the stage for an emotional family reunion. The 77-year-old monarch has directed senior aides to find time in his busy schedule for a meeting with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, according to the Mirror.
King's desire to see Archie and Lilibet
Royal insiders have disclosed that the King is keen to arrange the get-together and would be reluctant to miss the chance to see Harry's children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five. The King has only met Archie on a small number of occasions and has only met Lilibet once, during the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Harry flew into the UK alone on Monday, having left Meghan and the children behind after a family holiday in Europe. However, there is a possibility that Meghan and the children could join Harry in the UK this week for a brief 24-hour visit, with Harry reportedly trying to arrange additional private security for the journey.
Strained relationship and recent conversations
The relationship between the King and his estranged younger son has remained strained since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in March 2020 and moved to the United States. However, the Mirror revealed that several private conversations between father and son have taken place in recent weeks, with one source describing the atmosphere as 'hopeful'.
Both sides are said to be committed to making a meeting work. A royal source said: 'While nothing has been ruled out, conversations remain ongoing.' Another source added: 'The King would not pass up the opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren and if there is a way of making it possible, he will do it.'
Security and accommodation issues
Harry has faced a difficult week after being refused permission to stay at Buckingham Palace while in the UK and losing his most recent court battle against the British press. Harry arrived in London on Monday, expecting to take up a prior offer of accommodation at Buckingham Palace, but his request was turned down because his acceptance was considered too late, and the imminent ruling in his legal battle against Associated Newspapers was deemed constitutionally delicate.
Harry's spokesman had earlier announced that the duke would be spending the week undertaking public engagements, dividing his time between a royal residence and private lodgings. However, royal sources clarified that the offer had expired due to Harry's delayed response.
Legal battle and upcoming engagements
On Tuesday, Harry lost his high-profile legal battle against Associated Newspapers, with all allegations of illegal information gathering dismissed. Harry labelled the result an 'obvious whitewash'. The case is reported to have cost an estimated £50 million.
Harry is due in Birmingham on Thursday to visit Birmingham Children's Hospital for the 20th anniversary of the first WellChild nurse, a charity he has supported for 15 years. On Friday, he will take the stage at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre to celebrate the countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games.
Buckingham Palace did not provide comment to the Mirror.
