King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Prince Harry, Meghan, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, at their private residence in Gloucestershire on Friday. This marks the first time the monarch has seen his grandchildren since 2022.
The reunion occurred at Highgrove, located a short distance from both Oxfordshire, where Charles was undertaking official engagements, and Birmingham, where Prince Harry was attending an event for the Invictus Games.
The meeting was arranged with considerable discretion. Harry last saw his father in September, following a period of public disagreement after Harry's team incorrectly briefed the media that he would stay at Buckingham Palace during his visit. He had initially declined his father's invitation to stay, accepting too late.
Prince Harry arrived in the UK on Monday. Earlier this week, he lost a High Court case against Associated Newspapers and participated in a year-long countdown event for the Invictus Games.
Meghan and the children reportedly traveled to the UK unnoticed from their holiday home in Europe. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the event, describing it as a "private family occasion." Sources indicated that Charles and his staff hoped for a quiet reconciliation, but recent public comments from the Sussexes' team had caused apprehension. The King, who is 77 and undergoing cancer treatment, reportedly finds the situation "sad."
No images of the meeting are expected to be released. While this event may signal an improvement in family relations, royal observers will likely monitor future actions from the Sussexes.
Meanwhile, Prince William and his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, were engaged in public duties elsewhere. Prince William participated in the DMMI Royal Charity Cup at Guards Polo Club in Windsor, an event that has raised over £15 million for various charities throughout his involvement. Catherine was present to support her husband, presenting him with a trophy after his team's victory.
In contrast, Prince Harry was in Birmingham for the Invictus Games countdown event. His wife, Meghan, was initially expected to join him for a series of public engagements, but her attendance was later canceled. A spokesperson stated that while she would still travel to England with the children, she would not participate in public events. However, her presence for private family moments was hinted at, including a potential meeting with the King and a family gathering at Althorp, Princess Diana's ancestral home.