Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet reunited with their grandfather King Charles after four years apart. The long-awaited family gathering represents a significant development in the ongoing relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Royal Family.King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their two children on Friday, July 10, according to People magazine. The reunion took place at Highgrove Palace, the monarch’s private country residence in Gloucestershire, England. No photos from the event are expected to be released and no further details will be provided as the gathering is being held as a private family meeting.
King Charles and Queen Camilla reportedly welcomed Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their children to a private party at Highgrove Palace. Image source (Instagram)
The gathering marked the first face-to-face meeting in four years for Prince Archie, 7, Princess Lilibet, 5, and their 77-year-old grandfather.
Children’s previous time in the UK
Archie and Lilibet grew up in California, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved after stepping down as working members of the royal family in 2020. The children were last back in their father’s homeland during a visit to Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, although Archie and Lilibet did not appear at any public events during that trip.The then-Prince Charles and Camilla spent time with their grandchildren during a 2022 visit to the UK, which was also the first time Charles met Lilibet, who was born after the family moved to California. A royal source at the time expressed the importance of the meeting. “It was a wonderful visit. The prince was delighted to meet his grandson and granddaughter for the first time. It’s great to have the Duke and Duchess of Sussex back in the UK,” a source said.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are reportedly traveling to the UK for a private family reunion with King Charles. Image source (Instagram)
Sources detailed Charles’ emotional reaction when he met his granddaughter for the first time. “Prince and Duchess.” [of Cornwall] It was so exciting to see them. The future king hasn’t seen Archie in a while since he was just a baby when Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal roles and moved to California in 2020. Spending time with him was very special. He hasn’t met his granddaughter Lilibet yet, so it’s very exciting to see her for the first time – it’s a beautiful thing,” the source said of the 2022 family meeting.
Princess Lilibet’s Birthplace and Celebrations
Princess Lilibet was born in June 2021 in the United States. Her parents celebrated her first birthday with a “casual, intimate backyard picnic” at their former home during a platinum jubilee visit during their 2022 tour of the UK.
Prince Harry visits UK
The reunion takes place during Prince Harry’s visit to the UK, which begins on July 6. Prince Harry initially traveled to the UK alone to attend a series of charity events, including one to mark the countdown to the 2027 Invincibles Games in Birmingham. While it was initially announced that Meghan and the children would accompany him during his visit, security concerns complicated those plans.It was later announced that Harry would return to London without his family, although it was still possible they could travel to other parts of the UK outside the capital. It was reported on July 9 that Meghan, Archie and Lilibet would be traveling to the UK, but they are not expected to make any public appearances while in the UK.
Reunion day activities
Earlier on Friday, Prince Harry and King Charles left separately ahead of their reunion. Harry is taking part in a number of sporting events at the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, some 85 miles from Highgrove House. At the same time, the Queen visited Oxfordshire, about 50 miles from Highgrove Palace.
Prince William’s Solo Event
Meanwhile, Prince William attended a charity polo match in Windsor on Friday, with his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, showing support. Based on available information, there are currently no known plans to reunite the estranged brothers during Harry’s visit to the UK.
Prince Harry and King Charles’ previous meeting
Prince Harry was last reunited with his father in September 2025 during his visit to the UK. The Duke of Sussex was seen arriving by car at Clarence House, the king’s London residence, and stayed there for about 55 minutes before leaving, the latest recorded meeting between the two before their grandchildren’s latest reunion.
