**Prince Harry Remembers Children’s Meeting with Queen Elizabeth in New Memoir**
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The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has shared poignant reflections on his children’s first encounter with their great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in his memoir, *Spare*. This meeting, which took place in June 2022 during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marked a significant family moment, particularly for Harry, as it was the last time the children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, interacted with the late monarch.
Harry detailed the heartwarming memories surrounding that visit, highlighting the Queen’s affectionate observations of his children. In his memoir, he recounted how she described Archie, aged three at the time, as making “deep, chivalrous bows” and noted Lilibet, just a year old, who was seen “cuddling the monarch’s shins”. The Duke recalled that the Queen appeared pleasantly surprised by their behaviour, expecting them to be more energetic and boisterous, perhaps in line with the typical American spirit.
Reflecting on the loss of his grandmother, Harry expressed a deep sense of melancholy, frequently visualising his children’s joyful interactions with her. He noted how the Queen had labelled his children as the “sweetest”, a sentiment that resonated with their family dynamics and his cherished memories of her.
Having stepped back from formal royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, returned to the UK as a family of four for the Queen’s Jubilee, after previously visiting only in parts during his time away. This visit held profound significance not just for the Duke but for the entire family, marking the first and only opportunity for the Queen to meet Lilibet, who was named in her honour.
In a heartfelt tribute following the Queen’s death in September 2022, Harry commemorated their unique relationship and the moments he will always treasure. He recalled a range of shared experiences, from his early childhood to Lilibet and Archie’s first introductions to the Queen. In his statement, he expressed gratitude for these memories, acknowledging her influence on not only his life but also on the lives of his children.
Harry’s heartfelt comments reflect the bond the family shared with the monarch, particularly as they navigated the complexities of their royal roles and family life in the public eye. The sentiment extended to King Charles III, who also met Lilibet for the first time during the Jubilee celebrations, adding an additional layer of emotional resonance to this historic family occasion. A royal insider described the meeting as “wonderful”, emphasising the emotional connection felt during this family reunion.
As Prince Harry prepares for his return to the UK, he is expected to be present for events marking the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, set to take place in Birmingham. The Games, which Harry founded, reflect his commitment to supporting veterans and injured service personnel, further illustrating the Duke’s shifting focus towards charitable engagements and projects.
In these reflective moments, both Harry and Meghan continue to grapple with their identities as they balance royal connections with their new lives. The memories of Queen Elizabeth and the warmth of her relationship with their children will undoubtedly play an enduring role in their family narrative, reinforcing bonds that continue to matter through times of change and challenge.
The legacy of Queen Elizabeth II remains significant for many, not least for Harry and his family, as they navigate the evolving dynamics of royal life and personal growth in the years to come.