Full Breakdown
Prince Harry, Meghan, and Children Meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove
7/20/2026, 8:56:43 PM
Core Event: Private Reunion at Highgrove
On 10 July 2024, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie (seven) and Princess Lilibet (five), gathered privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the royal residence in Highgrove, Gloucestershire. The meeting was arranged at the king’s “uncharacteristically last-minute” request and was kept secret—no photographs or details were to be shared, according to a source close to the Sussexes.
Background & Context
Tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family have persisted since Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020. Their children had not seen their grandfather since the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. In parallel, Harry has been pursuing a judicial review of his family’s security protection, seeking a risk assessment from the Royal and Diplomatic Protection Board (RAVEC) after the Home Office removed his automatic police protection.
Key Figures & Groups
- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex – son of King Charles, husband of Meghan Markle.
- Meghan, Duchess of Sussex – wife of Harry, mother of Archie and Lilibet.
- Prince Archie – son, age 7.
- Princess Lilibet – daughter, age 5.
- King Charles III – monarch, diagnosed with cancer in 2024.
- Queen Camilla – consort, traveled from her home to attend.
- Thomas Markle – Meghan’s estranged father, former Hollywood lighting director.
- Royal and Diplomatic Protection Board (RAVEC) – body overseeing security assessments.
Timeline
- 2022 (June) – Archie and Lilibet last see Charles at the Platinum Jubilee.
- 2024 February – Charles publicly announces cancer diagnosis.
- 2024 July 10 – Private Highgrove reunion.
- 2024 July 12 – Harry shares health update at the Time 100 Sports Gala in New York.
- 2024 September – Harry scheduled to attend the WellChild Awards in the UK.
- 2027 – Planned Invictus Games in Birmingham, with Harry expected to travel.
Data & Statistics
- Archie: 7 years old; Lilibet: 5 years old.
- Four-year gap since grandchildren’s last face-to-face meeting with Charles.
- Automatic police protection removed in 2020; no risk assessment conducted for seven years.
Why It Matters
The reunion signals a tentative step toward mending the strained relationship between the king and his youngest son, while also highlighting Harry’s ongoing security battle. A successful family gathering could influence public perception of the monarchy’s unity and affect future diplomatic and charitable engagements involving the Sussexes.
Official Statements & Responses
- The palace confirmed Charles “has responded exceptionally well to treatment” and that his doctors are moving to a “precautionary phase.”
- Harry’s legal team reiterated that he will pursue a risk assessment until RAVEC enacts the court-mandated terms of reference.
- A Home Office source noted the request for a threat assessment was submitted in October 2023.
Criticism & Opposition
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said Thomas Markle is “devastated” that the king received preferential treatment and that the breach “is highly unlikely ever to be repaired.” Fitzwilliams added that Meghan “has never forgiven” her father, suggesting personal grievances may impede reconciliation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Christopher Andersen observed that “from Meghan’s perspective, the reunion … wasn’t entirely warm and fuzzy,” while other observers reported the king was “clearly delighted that it took place.” No independent accounts of the conversation have been released, leaving the true tone of the meeting ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “one gets the sense that, from Meghan’s perspective, the reunion with Charles and Camilla wasn’t entirely warm and fuzzy.” — Christopher Andersen, royal author
What’s Next
Harry is slated to appear at the WellChild Awards in September 2024 and will travel to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, events that may provide further opportunities for family interaction. The pending RAVEC risk assessment remains unresolved, potentially shaping future UK visits.
