Meghan Markle is reportedly feeling 'a lot of sadness' following her recent visit to the UK with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The family of four traveled to Highgrove House, King Charles's private estate in Gloucestershire, for a private reunion last week.
Royal reunion at Highgrove
The visit marked a significant step in repairing strained family ties. King Charles hosted his estranged son Harry, along with Meghan and their children, at his country residence. It was the first time the children had seen their grandfather since the late Queen Elizabeth's platinum jubilee in 2022. The Sussexes have had limited involvement with the royal family since stepping down as senior members in 2020 and relocating to the United States.
Meghan's sadness over Invictus absence
According to a source speaking to People, Meghan had hoped to support her husband during his Invictus Games promotional events but was unable to do so due to security concerns. 'She is very supportive of Harry, and there's a lot of sadness that she can't be by his side,' the source said. Another insider added that when it comes to the royal family, Meghan 'always lets Harry lead.'
Harry was in the UK to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. Initially, it was speculated that Meghan would spend the summer at their newly renovated villa in Portugal, but the family instead chose to visit the UK despite ongoing security issues.
Security concerns strain visit
Royal commentator Russell Myers, author of William & Catherine, described the trip as 'quite stressful,' primarily due to security challenges. Harry and Meghan were stripped of their taxpayer-funded police protection after stepping down as working royals. Harry lost a legal challenge in May last year to have this protection reinstated for UK visits. In a BBC interview following the ruling, Harry stated it was not safe to bring his family to the UK because he could not guarantee their safety. The Duke currently pays for a private security team, which he says lacks proper jurisdiction in Great Britain.
An insider told Closer earlier this year that the security situation 'is said to be causing strain between the couple.' Myers noted that what was billed as a big homecoming turned into a 'nightmare,' highlighting the 'fractiousness of Harry's relationship with the institution.'
Harry's determination for family ties
Despite the difficulties, Harry had been determined to arrange the reunion. In May, a source claimed Harry had 'hopes of arranging a private meeting with King Charles' and was 'determined to make it happen.' The insider said Harry was keen for 'Charles to spend proper time with Archie and Lilibet,' adding that 'time is precious and that the children need to see their grandfather now. There's a growing urgency around wanting the children to have memories with Charles.'
The visit, while tinged with sadness for Meghan, represents a potential olive branch in the fractured relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family.
