Both sides are said to be exploring whether a private meeting can be arranged during the Sussexes’ tightly scheduled visit. One source claimed the King would welcome the opportunity to see his grandchildren. | Source: Getty Images
There was also a chance the family would visit Althorp, where Princess Diana is buried. She would have turned 65 on July 1. The estate is closed to the public on the weekend of July 10 and 11.
All eyes were set on whether Archie and Lilibet would finally get proper time with their grandfather, and whether this trip was the start of something or just a visit.
Harry’s U.K. trip took a complicated turn after the offer for him to stay at Buckingham Palace was reportedly withdrawn. According to , Harry, who is currently in the UK, had been invited to stay at the royal residence during his visit, but palace sources claimed he did not accept the accommodation offer before the deadline needed for the Royal Household to prepare for his arrival.
Harry’s team said he had initially been working through security arrangements after RAVEC declined to provide taxpayer-funded protection for his family. Once those alternative plans were in place, his spokesperson said, Harry formally accepted the offer over the weekend — only to be told afterward that it was too late and the accommodation was no longer available.
The timing appears to have added another layer of sensitivity. Harry’s spokesperson said the withdrawal came at the “last moment,” with Tuesday’s judgment in his legal case against Associated Newspapers Limited cited as the reason.
Harry reportedly worked “frantically” to secure additional private protection for Meghan and their children. The arrangements could determine whether the family’s rumored 24-hour return ultimately goes ahead. | Source: Getty Images
Palace sources, meanwhile, reportedly said King Charles could not risk appearing compromised while that case was ongoing. The mixed briefings also led to confusion, as the BBC initially reported that Harry would stay at Buckingham Palace before the palace pushed back on that account.
The security issue had also affected Harry’s family’s travel plans. Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, did not join him in London, with Harry reportedly deciding to make the trip alone because he did not feel the capital was secure enough for them.
PEOPLE also reported that he had explored increased private security options, but after RAVEC’s decision, he ultimately traveled without Meghan and the children. However, at that time, it was still unclear whether they might join him for other parts of the visit outside London later in the week.
Now, the story has shifted once again… According to a July 9 , Meghan and her two children are expected to come to Britain this week after all. But the reported return comes with the first significant condition: Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet are not expected to make any public appearances.
