Buckingham Palace officially confirmed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, for a private meeting at Highgrove House on July 10, 2026. This marks the first time the monarch has seen his grandchildren in four years.
The Highgrove House Reunion
The meeting took place at the monarch’s private country residence in Gloucestershire. According to reports from People, both the King and Prince Harry traveled significant distances to facilitate the encounter, with the Prince covering approximately 85 miles and the King traveling 50 miles after their respective engagements in Birmingham and Oxford.
This reunion represents a shift in the travel logistics surrounding Prince Harry’s recent visit to the United Kingdom. While initial reports suggested the Prince would arrive alone to handle charitable commitments, the late-stage inclusion of Meghan Markle and their children resulted in the first family meeting of this nature since June 2022.
The meeting at Highgrove House was strictly private. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that no photographs will be released, and no further details regarding the nature of the discussions will be disclosed to the public.
Public Expectations vs. Private Reality
The secrecy surrounding the event aligns with the Palace’s approach to private family matters. While fans of the royal family may have hoped for visual documentation of the meeting, the decision to keep the event closed to the press was anticipated. The gathering remains distinct from the public-facing duties often associated with the royal household.
In contrast to the meeting in Gloucestershire, Prince William and Catherine were engaged in separate activities on the same day, attending a polo match in Windsor. There have been no reports or indications of a meeting between the brothers during this window.
Context of the Royal Visit
Prince Harry arrived in England on July 7, 2026, primarily to support sporting events for a charitable organization of which he is the face. The lead-up to his arrival was characterized by speculation regarding security arrangements and accommodation, leading to shifting narratives in the British press. Hello! Magazine noted that the Prince appeared in noticeably high spirits on the morning of the meeting, shortly before the official confirmation of the family reunion was released.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has it been since the King saw his grandchildren?
According to reports, King Charles III had not seen Archie and Lilibet for four years prior to this meeting.
Will there be official photos of the meeting?
No. Buckingham Palace has stated that this was a private family meeting and no images or further details will be released.
Where did the meeting take place?
The family met at Highgrove House, the private country estate of the King located in Gloucestershire, England.
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