King Charles has a strong bond with many family members, including his grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Unfortunately, his relationship with Archie and Lilibet, who live in California, reportedly doesn’t exist.
Prince Harry has expressed that he won’t bring his family to the UK without proper protection, and he’s reportedly asked his father, King Charles, for help with arranging this security. However, rumors suggest the King is unable to assist. Some have accused Harry and Meghan of using their children to push for security, but Charles is reportedly eager to see them.
A new report indicates that Archie and Lilibet have become a key point in the ongoing feud between Harry and Charles, with the King’s desire to maintain a relationship with his grandchildren influencing his actions.
King Charles’ relationship with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
Harry and Meghan’s strained relationship with the royal family has kept King Charles from seeing his grandchildren in the U.S. Harry views visiting the UK as a security risk, as he feels he can’t be assured of the protection he needs.
In the ITV documentary Tabloids On Trial, Harry expressed concerns about threats, saying, “All it takes is for one lone actor who reads this stuff to act on what they’ve read… It’s one of the reasons why I won’t bring my wife back to this country.”
Harry is appealing a court ruling that denied him state-funded security in the UK, wanting to restore his previous security rights for more flexibility when visiting. According to sources, the security issue is vital for Harry, and it will significantly impact his relationship with his father, King Charles. Harry is determined to protect his family at all costs.
“A massive hole in his heart”
Harry’s reluctance to bring his family to the UK due to security concerns has left King Charles heartbroken over not seeing his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. A source claims Harry has pressured his father to use his influence to secure better protection during UK visits, though it’s uncertain if this will succeed.
The king, who has only met the children a few times, is saddened by the lack of a bond with them. Reports suggest that Charles deeply regrets not having a closer relationship with his US-based grandkids, especially since he enjoys a strong connection with William and Kate’s children.
King Charles “desperate to see” Archie & Lilibet
In June, royal expert Tom Quinn discussed the challenges King Charles faces in reconciling with Prince Harry, especially after the eviction from Frogmore Cottage in 2023, following the release of Harry’s memoir Spare. Quinn stated that Charles desires a better relationship with Harry, but this would require assurances that Harry would not release more books or give further interviews.
Quinn also noted that Queen Camilla supported this effort, encouraging Charles to send a heartfelt gift and card for Lilibet’s third birthday in June. There were discussions about a potential visit to the U.S., though extensive planning would be required. Charles, who has visited other countries privately, might consider a discreet trip to California to see Harry and his grandchildren, desperate to avoid being remembered as distant.
However, Harry’s accusations against the Royal Family have strained his relationships, particularly with his brother, William, and mother-in-law, Queen Camilla, leaving his bond with Charles in tatters.
Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet “written out” of royal narrative, expert says
The Sussexes’ trips to Nigeria and Colombia earlier this year were seen as a boost to their global image, but the British royals were reportedly upset, viewing it as Harry and Meghan still acting like active members of the monarchy.
During the Royal Family’s annual meeting at Balmoral, discussions took place about whether Harry should remain in the line of succession. For Archie and Lilibet, not visiting the UK means missing out on relationships with their grandfather, King Charles, and royal cousins.
When King Charles joked about Pokemon during a state banquet, royal expert Kate Mansey noted that the mention of his grandchildren likely referred to the Wales children, as he has become distanced from the Sussexes.
King Charles “keener than ever” to build a relationship with Harry & his children
Thomas Markle criticized Meghan and Harry for denying Archie and Lilibet the chance to know their cousins, calling it “sad” that the children aren’t able to participate in royal events like Trooping the Colour. He expressed concern that the kids will eventually wonder about what they missed.
Meanwhile, King Charles has only seen his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, via FaceTime and feels this isn’t enough. A source revealed that the king is eager to make up for lost time and is committed to being more present in his grandchildren’s lives, valuing family above all else.
Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet is the reason why King Charles “never breaks ties with Harry”
Royal expert Ingrid Seward, author of My Mother and I – The Inside Story of the King and Our Late Queen, shared that King Charles values family deeply. She noted his sadness over not seeing more of Archie and Lilibet, especially given his own fragmented childhood.
She added that Charles doesn’t want a distant relationship with Harry’s children; he hopes to be involved in their lives while they’re still young enough to benefit from his wisdom. His cancer diagnosis has made this desire even more urgent.