Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have officially confirmed plans to bring their family to the United Kingdom for the first time in four years. The visit represents a milestone moment for the family, particularly given the limited time their children have spent in Britain since relocating to North America in 2020.According to PEOPLE magazine, the family is scheduled to arrive early in the week of July 6 and will split their accommodation between royal residences and private properties during their stay. Prince Harry told the publication that the primary purpose of the visit centres on official countdown celebrations for his Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham, England, next year. The couple has traditionally participated in the official lead-up events for the adaptive sports competition that honours wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet ‘s first return to British soil in years
For Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, this visit will mark their first time in the United Kingdom since attending the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Since the family departed from Britain, the young royals have had minimal contact with their extended royal family despite their significant place in the line of succession.The children’s presence in the country opens substantial opportunities for them to spend time with their grandfather, King Charles. Since the family relocated to California, Prince Archie is believed to have seen the monarch only a handful of times. Princess Lilibet, who is named after Queen Elizabeth’s childhood nickname, has met her grandfather only once, making this visit potentially transformative for establishing a stronger relationship.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s daughter, Princess Lilibet, and son is expected to spend valuable time with members of the royal family during the visit, with hopes of strengthening family bonds after years apart.image credit (Meghan Markle Instagram)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s private and official obligations
The couple has scheduled their time to balance official commitments with private family moments. Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to participate in two Invictus Games Foundation events during the week beginning July 6. In addition to these public engagements, Harry has scheduled private meetings related to the foundation and intends to fulfil a charity commitment with one of his patronages, Scottie’s Little Soldiers, an organisation dedicated to supporting children of military personnel.
The possibility of a family visit to Althorp House
There remains a possibility that the family will visit Althorp, the historic estate in West Northamptonshire where Prince Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, is buried. The timing carries particular significance, as Princess Diana would have celebrated her 65th birthday on July 1. According to the estate’s website, the property, which typically opens to the public during the summer months, will close on the weekend of July 10 and 11, a detail that has prompted speculation about a potential family visit during that period.
The grandfather’s role and family reconciliation prospects
The visit presents meaningful opportunities for King Charles to deepen his relationship with his youngest grandchildren. Throughout interviews and public statements, Prince Harry has expressed his desire for broader family reconciliation. Speaking to the BBC in May 2025, he articulated this sentiment directly. “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” he said at that time.However, Harry also acknowledged the ongoing tensions that complicate such efforts. “Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive me for lots of things,” he explained, referencing his memoir ‘Spare’ and other media appearances in which the couple has discussed their experiences within the royal institution.
The upcoming trip could offer King Charles III a rare opportunity to reconnect with Prince Harry and his eldest grandchild, Prince Archie, as discussions around family reconciliation continue.Image credit (Instagram)
King Charles’s accommodation offer and the security question
King Charles has reportedly extended an offer of accommodation to his younger son and his family at a royal estate during their visit. The King has made similar gestures previously, having offered Prince Harry accommodation at Buckingham Palace on earlier occasions, an invitation Harry declined at that time.The fact that Prince Harry has now accepted some form of accommodation arrangement, whether at a royal residence or elsewhere, suggests that he may have received assurances regarding security provision for his family during their time in Britain. Security has been a central concern for the Duke, who has expressed reservations about bringing his family to the country without adequate protective measures.
Prince William and the likelihood of reconciliation between brothers
While the visit opens doors for Prince Harry to reconnect with his father, prospects for a meeting between the two brothers remain markedly different. Prince William, 44, is thought by insiders to be considerably less inclined toward reconciliation at this time, underscoring the depth of the estrangement that has characterised their relationship in recent years.Prince Harry has had only two brief meetings with his father since the family’s relocation to California, both occurring during charitable visits to Britain. Most recently, in September 2025, King Charles invited Prince Harry to Clarence House for tea and cake a meeting that lasted slightly under an hour and represented their first face-to-face encounter in many months.
Meghan Markle’s limited interaction with the royal family since 2022
For Meghan, the visit will mark her first time in the same room as members of the royal family since 2022. The Duchess has maintained minimal direct contact with the institution during her time in North America, making this visit potentially significant for re-establishing any form of connection with her husband’s relatives.The family’s last visit to Britain with their children occurred in June 2022 for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, although Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet did not participate in any public events during that occasion. Following Queen Elizabeth’s passing that September, the couple extended their stay to attend the funeral and related ceremonies.