Royal expert Jennie Bond has revealed that King Charles is deeply saddened by his distant relationship with Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3 — the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Since Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties and move to California in 2020, Charles has had limited interaction with his grandchildren.
“Charles hardly knows his two US-based grandchildren,” Bond said. “It must remain a great sadness to the King to be so distant. The early years of a child’s life are magical, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. It must hurt.”
Rare Meetings and Missed Milestones
King Charles has met Archie a few times but has only seen Lilibet once during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. Meghan Markle, Harry’s wife, has also had limited interactions with the King, reportedly meeting him only once since leaving royal life.
Despite the physical distance, Jennie Bond suggested that the couple may have sent pictures of Archie and Lilibet to Charles in an effort to maintain some form of connection.
A Shared Pain: Thomas Markle’s Longing
Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., has echoed similar sentiments. Thomas, who has never met his grandchildren, expressed his desire to connect with them, stating in a 2024 interview, “I would love to meet my grandchildren, but I would be happy with a photograph at this stage.”
Thomas added, “They have two grandpas who want to see them, one of whom is the King of England. I never thought I’d be in the same boat as the King.”
Hopes for Reconnection
While the distance and strained relationships present challenges, King Charles reportedly remains committed to building a bond with Archie and Lilibet. The royal family and the Sussexes have faced public and private tensions, but the King’s yearning to know his grandchildren better underscores a universal longing for familial connection.
As time passes, it remains uncertain whether bridges will be mended to bring the family closer together.
