The relationship between King Charles III and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has remained under the international spotlight since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020. As time passes, questions around reconciliation—particularly involving King Charles’s bond with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—have become more prominent.
While speculation has often dominated headlines, recent comments from Meghan suggest that healing may require more than just private meetings—it may call for a public reckoning.
A Royal Departure That Redefined the Monarchy
In January 2020, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan would no longer serve as senior working royals, a decision widely dubbed “Megxit.” The shift meant they would no longer represent the monarchy officially or receive public funding through the Sovereign Grant.
Shortly after, the couple relocated to California with their son Archie and later welcomed their daughter, Lilibet. Since then, they’ve spoken candidly about their experiences within the institution—through their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan (2022), and Prince Harry’s bestselling memoir Spare (2023).
Public Allegations and Emotional Distance
During these public disclosures, the Sussexes voiced serious concerns over press intrusion, mental health struggles, and internal tensions with senior royals. Meghan’s past letter to King Charles addressing alleged issues of racism added further strain to an already delicate dynamic.
While Prince Harry has returned to the UK on a few solemn occasions—including Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022 and King Charles’s coronation in 2023—his visits have been short, and reports of meaningful reconciliation remain limited.
A Grandfather at a Distance
Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of this rift is King Charles’s distant relationship with Archie and Lilibet. In his first address as monarch in September 2022, Charles publicly expressed love for all his grandchildren. However, in practice, his interaction with the Sussex children has been minimal, largely due to geography and lingering family tensions.
During the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, Harry and Meghan returned to the UK, allowing Lilibet to meet her great-grandmother for the first—and only—time. King Charles reportedly had a brief opportunity to see his granddaughter, but details remain private.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Healing
As public interest in the Sussexes’ journey continues, opinions remain sharply divided. Some applaud Harry and Meghan for their transparency and advocacy, while others believe family matters should remain private and criticize their public disclosures.
What most agree on is the importance of prioritizing the wellbeing of Archie and Lilibet—and the hope that personal reconciliation is still possible. Experts suggest that rebuilding trust will take time, mutual understanding, and above all, privacy.
Despite rumors, there has been no official confirmation that Meghan Markle has demanded a public apology from King Charles. What is clear, however, is her belief in accountability over material compensation—a sentiment that echoes the broader challenge facing the Royal Family: to move beyond public posturing and toward sincere, meaningful connection.
As the world continues to watch, the resolution to this royal chapter will not be written by tabloids, but through the conversations that happen behind closed doors.
