Meghan Markle hasn’t reached out to King Charles

Meghan Markle was said to have sent a ‘sample box of delights’ to King Charles as an olive branch – yet this has now been denied by a source close to the Duchess of Sussex

The relationship between Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and King Charles III has been a subject of intense public scrutiny since Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020. Once described as warm and affectionate, their bond has deteriorated significantly, with recent reports highlighting a complete lack of contact between the two. A rumored gesture of reconciliation—a “sample box of delights” from Meghan’s newly launched lifestyle brand, As Ever—was reported to have been sent to King Charles as an olive branch. However, a source close to the Sussexes has firmly denied these claims, underscoring the deep rift that now defines their relationship. This article explores the evolution of Meghan’s relationship with King Charles, the factors contributing to their estrangement, and the implications of their fractured bond.

Meghan Markle recently launched As Ever ( Image: As Ever) It had been reported she’d sent some goodies to King Charles (Image: Getty Images)

The Rise and Fall of a Royal Relationship

When Meghan Markle first entered the royal family, her interactions with King Charles (then Prince of Wales) were marked by warmth and mutual respect. In his 2023 memoir, Spare, Prince Harry vividly recounted their first meeting at Clarence House, describing how Charles was “impressed” by Meghan’s confidence and intelligence. The pair bonded over shared interests, including the arts, with Charles expressing curiosity about Meghan’s acting career and the challenges of breaking into the industry. Harry noted that his father, typically reserved in physical affection, seemed to enjoy Meghan’s “standard British cheek-to-cheek” greeting, a small but telling sign of their initial rapport.

Their connection deepened following Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding. A visit to Scotland, where the couple spent time with Charles, further solidified their bond. Harry wrote in Spare that “the bond between Meg and Pa, always strong, grew even stronger” during this period. Charles’s joy was particularly evident when he learned that Meghan shared a birthday with his beloved grandmother, the Queen Mother. Harry described his father’s buoyant mood, noting how Charles shared stories and “performed” for Meghan, eager to impress her with tales of his family’s history.

These early moments painted a picture of a father-in-law and daughter-in-law who genuinely connected, united by shared values and a sense of camaraderie. However, the harmony was short-lived, as tensions within the royal family and external pressures began to strain their relationship.

The Breakdown: A Royal Rift

The decision by Harry and Meghan to step back from royal duties in 2020 marked a turning point in their relationship with the royal family, including King Charles. The couple’s move to California, coupled with their public criticisms of the monarchy through interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir, created a chasm that has yet to be bridged. While Meghan once spoke highly of her father-in-law, sources now confirm that the two have “absolutely no contact,” a stark contrast to their once-close bond.

A significant point of contention, according to royal commentator Kate Mansey writing for The Times, is Harry’s ongoing legal battle against the U.K. government over the removal of his taxpayer-funded police security. The lawsuit, which Harry has pursued with determination, is seen as a direct challenge to the government led by his father, King Charles. “Harry’s decision to sue the King’s government in the King’s courts is the sticking point, I am told,” Mansey reported. This legal action has reportedly deepened the rift, with Charles viewing it as a personal affront, further complicating any efforts at reconciliation.

The public nature of Harry and Meghan’s grievances—particularly through Spare and their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview—has also contributed to the breakdown. In Spare, Harry detailed private family moments and alleged mistreatment of Meghan by the royal establishment, revelations that reportedly hurt Charles deeply. The memoir’s candidness, while cathartic for Harry, has made trust and communication between the Sussexes and the royal family nearly impossible.

The Rumored Olive Branch: Fact or Fiction?

In recent weeks, reports surfaced that Meghan had attempted to mend fences with King Charles by sending him a “sample box of delights” from her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Launched in March 2025, As Ever features products such as a $28 jar of wildflower honey, reflecting Meghan’s focus on wellness and sustainability. Royal expert Neil Sean claimed that the gift, accompanied by a personal note, was sent to Clarence House as a gesture of goodwill. Ian Pelham Turner, speaking to Fox News, suggested that the move was Meghan’s way of “building bridges” with the royal family, particularly in light of Charles’s ongoing health challenges.

“Tiny gestures like this are her way of showing compassion for what the King is going through and helping to rebuild bridges between Prince William, Prince Harry, and the king,” Turner stated, acknowledging the lingering sense of disrespect Meghan may feel from the royal establishment. The narrative of a reconciliatory gift aligned with Meghan’s public persona as someone who values connection and empathy, raising hopes that it could signal a thawing of tensions.

However, these claims were swiftly debunked by a source close to the Sussexes, who told media outlets, “This did not happen.” The denial underscores the sensitivity surrounding Meghan’s interactions with the royal family and the persistent media speculation that often distorts reality. The swift rebuttal also suggests that Meghan and Harry are cautious about being portrayed as making overtures that could be misinterpreted or rejected, given the fragile state of their relationship with the royals.

The Broader Context: A Family Divided

The denial of the gift story is just one chapter in the ongoing saga of the Sussexes’ estrangement from the royal family. The lack of contact between Meghan and Charles is mirrored by Harry’s strained relationships with his father and brother, Prince William. The once-tight bond between the brothers has all but collapsed, with William reportedly viewing Harry’s public disclosures as a betrayal. Charles, meanwhile, is navigating the challenges of his reign, including health concerns and the monarchy’s need to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

For Meghan, the absence of communication with Charles represents a significant loss. Her early interactions with him were marked by genuine affection, and she once described him as kind and supportive. The deterioration of this relationship reflects broader themes of misunderstanding, competing priorities, and the weight of public expectations that have defined the Sussexes’ journey since leaving royal life.

What Lies Ahead?

The prospect of reconciliation between Meghan and King Charles appears dim in the immediate future. Harry’s legal battle, combined with the Sussexes’ commitment to their independent ventures in the United States, suggests that their priorities lie elsewhere. Meghan’s As Ever brand, which has garnered significant attention, is a testament to her focus on building a legacy outside the royal framework. Similarly, Harry’s advocacy work through the Archewell Foundation and his ongoing legal efforts indicate a determination to carve out a distinct path.

For Charles, the challenge is to balance his personal desire for family unity with his responsibilities as monarch. The public nature of the rift with Harry and Meghan complicates any potential outreach, as every gesture is scrutinized by the media and the public. The denial of the As Ever gift story may serve as a reminder that reconciliation, if it is to happen, will require private, deliberate efforts rather than public gestures.

The story of Meghan Markle and King Charles is one of promise unfulfilled—a relationship that began with warmth and mutual admiration but succumbed to the pressures of royal life, public scrutiny, and personal choices. The debunked claim of a “sample box of delights” reflects the broader challenges of navigating truth and speculation in the royal narrative. As Meghan and Harry continue to build their lives in California, and Charles focuses on his reign, the question remains: can this fractured bond ever be repaired? For now, the silence between them speaks louder than any gift ever could.