King Charles III and Camilla hosted Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, at Highgrove on Friday, July 10. According to reports from the British news agency PA and other UK outlets, this marks the first time the couple and their children have reunited with the King in four years.
The Highgrove Reunion and the Invictus Games 2027
The meeting took place at Highgrove, the personal residence of the 77-year-old sovereign in southwest England. Prince Harry has been in the UK since Monday, primarily to coordinate preparations for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. Harry founded the international sporting event to support wounded, injured, or sick veterans.
For Archie, 7 and Lilibet, 5, the visit was a rare encounter with their grandfather. According to reports, the children had not seen the King in person since the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. The couple has resided in California since 2020 following their rupture with the royal family.
Logistical Disputes and Buckingham Palace Denials
The visit was marred by conflicting reports regarding accommodations. The BBC and Sky News initially reported, citing a source close to the prince, that Harry would stay at Buckingham Palace. However, those same outlets later published a denial from the palace.
Buckingham Palace clarified that Prince Harry had not accepted the invitation to stay at the official royal residence with sufficient advance notice. Additionally, reports indicated that Meghan and the children were not originally planning to travel due to a lack of police protection. When contacted by AFP, Buckingham Palace did not provide an immediate response.
Comparison of Reported Logistics
| Topic | Initial Reports (BBC/Sky News) | Palace Position |
|---|---|---|
| Lodging | Buckingham Palace | Not accepted in time |
| Family Travel | Uncertain (Protection issues) | Met at Highgrove |
Legal Setbacks in the London High Court
The family reunion occurred amid a legal defeat for the Prince. On Tuesday, the High Court in London dismissed a lawsuit filed by Prince Harry and several other individuals against the owner of the Daily Mail. The lawsuit alleged a violation of private life, but the court rejected the claims in a definitive ruling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the meeting between King Charles and Prince Harry take place?
The meeting occurred at Highgrove, the King’s personal residence in southwest England.
Why did Prince Harry travel to the UK?
He visited to prepare for the 2027 Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham.
Did Prince Harry stay at Buckingham Palace during this visit?
No. According to a palace denial reported by the BBC and Sky News, he did not accept the invitation to stay there with enough notice.
When was the last time Archie and Lilibet saw their grandfather?
The children last saw King Charles in person during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
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