King Charles Feels 'Gutted' as Months Pass Without Meeting Grandchildren in UK

Key points

• King Charles has not seen his grandchildren, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5), since they moved to the UK in late August 2026, despite his desire to spend time with them.
• Sources indicate Charles is 'gutted' by the lack of contact, while Harry has promised a visit but no date has been set, leaving the King 'very let down.'
• A meeting between Charles, Harry, Meghan, and Queen Camilla is expected before Christmas, with time already blocked in the King's diary, though the specific date and location remain undisclosed.
• The delay is attributed to the Sussexes' focus on settling their children into school, Meghan's work commitments, and the King's recent travels to Scotland and the Caribbean.
• Tensions have been exacerbated by the publication of Earl Charles Spencer's book 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' which contains allegations that have angered King Charles and complicated the family dynamic.

Background

In September 2026, King Charles issued a letter clarifying that Harry and Meghan are private citizens and not working royals, a move that sparked backlash from the couple. This followed a period of heightened scrutiny regarding their return to the UK and their children's schooling. The current situation reflects ongoing tensions between the royal family and the Sussexes, with previous reports indicating that Charles and William view the couple as not representing the Crown.

How outlets are covering it

StyleCaster and Woman's Day emphasize King Charles's emotional distress, describing him as 'gutted' and 'very let down' by the lack of contact with his grandchildren. Page Six highlights the logistical challenges, noting that Charles and Queen Camilla have been in Scotland and that the Sussexes are in a 'honeymoon' phase with their new life, which has delayed the meeting. Now To Love points to the 'dreadful time' caused by the Spencer book drama, which has filled free time with crisis meetings and further complicated the reconciliation process. While all sources agree on the lack of a meeting, they differ in their emphasis: StyleCaster and Woman's Day focus on the emotional impact on Charles, Page Six on the practical reasons for the delay, and Now To Love on the external factors exacerbating the tension.

Why it matters

The lack of a meeting between King Charles and his grandchildren highlights the ongoing tensions within the royal family and the challenges of reconciling after years of estrangement. It also underscores the impact of public disputes, such as the Spencer book, on private family relationships. The situation may have implications for the future of the royal family and the public's perception of the monarchy.

What to watch

A meeting between King Charles, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Queen Camilla is expected before Christmas, with time already blocked in the King's diary. The Sussexes are also planning their first official public appearance together in the UK within days. However, the specific date and location of the meeting remain undisclosed, and the outcome of the reconciliation is uncertain.