The British royal family has been at the center of public attention for decades, with its intricate dynamics often playing out under intense global scrutiny. Recent reports have brought renewed focus on King Charles III, whose health is said to be deteriorating, and his heartfelt desire to reconnect with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Amidst ongoing tensions within the royal family, there are indications that King Charles wishes to see his grandchildren without Meghan present, and that Prince Harry has taken steps to fulfill this wish by arranging for the children to visit their grandfather. This article explores the latest developments surrounding the King’s health, his strained relationship with the Sussexes, and the complexities of a potential family reunion.

King Charles’ Health Challenges

King Charles III, now 76, has been battling an unspecified form of cancer since his diagnosis was made public in February 2024. The monarch’s health struggles have added a layer of urgency to his personal and public life, as he balances his royal duties with treatment. Sources close to the royal family, including royal commentator Jennie Bond, have noted that the King is deeply reflective about his legacy and family ties, particularly in light of his condition. His cancer treatment has forced him to scale back public engagements, though he has continued to attend significant events, such as the D-Day commemorations in Normandy in June 2024.

The King’s health challenges have reportedly heightened his desire to mend familial rifts, particularly with his younger son, Prince Harry, and to build a closer relationship with his grandchildren, Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4, who live in Montecito, California. The physical distance of over 5,000 miles, combined with the emotional and logistical barriers created by the Sussexes’ departure from royal duties in 2020, has made regular contact with the children difficult. Reports suggest that Charles has only met Archie a handful of times and Lilibet once, during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

A Desire to See Archie and Lilibet

King Charles’ longing to connect with Archie and Lilibet has been a recurring theme in recent reports. Royal insiders have described the monarch as “heartbroken” and “deeply saddened” by his limited relationship with his youngest grandchildren. Unlike his close bond with Prince William’s children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, whom he sees regularly and affectionately calls “Grandpa Wales”—Charles’ interactions with Archie and Lilibet have been sparse, often limited to video calls.

According to sources, the King is particularly keen to “make up for lost time” with Archie and Lilibet, especially given his reflective mood following his cancer diagnosis. Royal expert Jennie Bond told The Mirror that the early years of a child’s life are “magical,” and Charles regrets missing out on this period with his U.S.-based grandchildren. The King reportedly sent Lilibet a heartfelt gift and card for her third birthday in June 2024, signaling his commitment to fostering a relationship despite the distance.

However, reports have surfaced suggesting that Charles wishes to see Archie and Lilibet without their mother, Meghan Markle, present. This stems from the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family, which have been exacerbated by public criticisms in Harry’s memoir Spare, the couple’s 2021 Oprah interview, and their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan. These projects have detailed allegations of mistreatment by the royal family, creating a “deep divide” that has made normal family interactions challenging.

Prince Harry’s Efforts to Fulfill His Father’s Wish

Prince Harry, 40, has reportedly taken steps to honor his father’s desire to see Archie and Lilibet. Sources indicate that Harry is “completely heartbroken” by the estrangement from his father and is making efforts to facilitate a reunion. One insider told The Daily Mail that Harry has been sharing more photos of his children online, possibly as a “last resort” to allow King Charles to see them and “realize what he’s missing.” This shift in behavior, including Meghan’s recent Instagram posts featuring Archie and Lilibet, marks a departure from the couple’s previous privacy stance.

In a recent television interview in the U.K., Harry expressed his emotional turmoil over the family rift, stating, “I would love reconciliation with my family,” and noting the preciousness of life given his father’s uncertain prognosis. He has also indicated a willingness to bring his children to the U.K., but security concerns remain a significant barrier. Harry has been engaged in a legal battle with the U.K. government over the withdrawal of his automatic police protection, which he argues makes it unsafe for his family to visit. In May 2025, he told the BBC, “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point.”

Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. Reports suggest that Harry has arranged for Archie and Lilibet to visit their grandfather, potentially without Meghan, to fulfill Charles’ wish. This could involve a trip to the U.K. or a meeting in a neutral location, such as Portugal, where the Sussexes reportedly purchased a home in 2024. The property acquisition, facilitated by Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, is seen by some as a strategic move to strengthen ties with the royal family while avoiding the complexities of a U.K. visit.

Meghan’s Conditions and Family Tensions

Meghan Markle’s role in any potential reunion remains a point of contention. Sources suggest that Meghan may allow Archie and Lilibet to meet King Charles under the condition that security arrangements are satisfactory. This condition reflects the couple’s ongoing concerns about safety in the U.K., a central issue in their feud with the royal family.

The strained relationship between Meghan and the royal family, particularly with King Charles and Prince William, complicates matters. Palace insiders have described Charles’ reaction to the Sussexes’ actions as “incredulous and bemusing,” particularly regarding their push for Archie and Lilibet to potentially take up roles as working royals in the future. Prince William, who is next in line to the throne, has reportedly made it clear that he would block any such plans, and there is speculation that he may revoke Archie and Lilibet’s HRH titles when he becomes king.

Queen Camilla is said to be encouraging Charles to pursue a relationship with his grandchildren, but she remains cautious due to the criticisms leveled against her in Spare. The lack of trust between Harry, Meghan, and the senior royals—exacerbated by Harry’s public disclosures of private family matters—has made reconciliation challenging. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith noted that “the underlying issue is trust,” with Charles and William hesitant to engage in confidential conversations with Harry.

A Shared Passion and Hope for Reconciliation

Despite the tensions, there are glimmers of hope for reconciliation. Meghan revealed in her Netflix series With Love, Meghan that Archie and Lilibet share their grandfather’s passion for gardening, a hobby that could serve as a bonding point. The children reportedly have their own gardening tools and enjoy selling homegrown produce at a farmers’ market in Montecito, echoing Charles’ lifelong advocacy for environmental causes.

Recent developments, such as a meeting between Harry’s chief communications officer and Charles’ communications secretary in July 2025, suggest that both sides are exploring avenues for dialogue. While Harry’s legal battles and the family’s mistrust pose significant hurdles, the King’s reflective mood and Harry’s expressed desire for reconciliation indicate that a reunion with Archie and Lilibet could be a step toward healing.

Conclusion

King Charles III’s worsening health has cast a poignant light on his desire to connect with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The monarch’s limited contact with the Sussex children, coupled with ongoing family tensions, has created a complex situation. Prince Harry’s efforts to facilitate a reunion, possibly without Meghan, reflect a shared hope for reconciliation, though security concerns and trust issues remain significant obstacles. As the royal family navigates these challenges, the world watches to see whether this fractured family can find a way to come together, even if only for the sake of a grandfather’s love for his grandchildren.