Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are set to visit the United Kingdom with their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, marking their first trip back since 2022. Their arrival, anticipated in early July, signals the beginning of a potential family reunion with King Charles, as the children have spent limited time with their grandfather since their family relocated to California in 2020.
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This visit coincides with the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games, a sporting event founded by Prince Harry to support wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans. The couple has been actively involved in the lead-up to this event, which is due to take place in Birmingham, England. Early reports suggest the family will arrive during the week of July 6, adding to the excitement of the upcoming games.
Prince Archie, aged seven, and Princess Lilibet, aged five, have only been to the UK together once in recent years, which was to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. This trip is particularly significant, as it will also be Lilibet’s first opportunity to meet King Charles, after having previously been introduced to him only in passing. Their limited interaction underscores the distance that has developed between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
Amidst their ongoing estrangement, any sign of reconciliation will be closely watched. Prince Harry has had minimal contact with his father, having met with King Charles only twice for brief tea sessions. Conversely, Meghan has not shared a space with any royal family members since 2022, indicating a deepening familial rift.
Discussion regarding potential meetings with Prince William remains uncertain, with insiders suggesting that a reunion between the brothers is unlikely. Prince Harry has openly expressed his desire for reconciliation with his family, remarking to the BBC that he no longer wishes to engage in conflict. Despite his efforts, he recognises the complications that have arisen from his media appearances and the controversial content of his memoir, “Spare.”
During his last visit to the UK in September 2025, Prince Harry enjoyed a brief meeting with King Charles, lasting less than an hour at Clarence House, where the pair shared tea and cake. The lack of reliable security remains a concern for Prince Harry, who has cited it as a reason for not bringing his family back to the UK in recent years. With new assurances of adequate security for their visit in July, it appears he is finally prepared to return with Meghan and their children.
While they plan to partake in events associated with the Invictus Games, Meghan and Harry’s children will also be at the forefront of public interest, particularly in regard to their relationship with King Charles. Since the family last visited in June 2022, when they attended the Platinum Jubilee, Archie and Lilibet did not engage in public events, enhancing the curiosity surrounding their appearance this time.
There is speculation that the family may visit Althorp, the estate where Prince Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana, is interred, especially as the anniversary of her birthday approaches. Althorp is typically open to visitors during the summer, but recent announcements indicate it will close for the weekend of July 10 and 11, possibly hinting at a private family visit.
The upcoming UK trip is not only a chance for the Sussexes to touch base with King Charles but also offers opportunities for the family to take part in other charitable engagements. Prince Harry is set to lead various private discussions related to the Invictus Games Foundation, alongside commitments with his patronage, Scottie’s Little Soldiers.
As the Sussex family prepares for their journey back to the UK, the public will undoubtedly be keen to see how the dynamics unfold, marking a pivotal moment amid ongoing family tensions.