King Charles III is reportedly contemplating a visit to the United States to see his son, Prince Harry, and his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in Montecito, California. This potential trip has sparked concern among other members of the royal family, particularly Prince William and Queen Camilla, who are not in favor of the King’s olive branch towards his younger son.
According to royal expert Tom Quinn, the King is keen to be a “friendly grandfather” and is anxious that Archie and Lilibet might not remember him as such. “He is desperate to see them and hates the idea that Archie and Lilibet will not remember him as the warm, friendly grandfather he wants to be,” Quinn shared with the Mirror UK. A BBC royal correspondent echoed this sentiment, telling the Daily Mail that the monarch feels a “lack of closeness with his California grandchildren acutely.”
King Charles is reportedly considering a gap in his schedule next month as a potential window for the visit. However, Prince Harry remains hesitant about bringing his children to the UK, and Meghan Markle is reportedly not inclined to return to British soil. Quinn previously noted that there is “no way” the Duchess of Sussex is planning a “discreet, private visit” to the UK, making it more likely that King Charles would travel to the United States.
A source from New Idea mentioned that King Charles is “feeling a little better” following his recent cancer diagnosis, which might make the visit feasible. “This feud has gone on for far too long, and Charles is anxious to sort it out – but he knows it has to be on Harry and Meghan’s home turf, particularly if he wants to see his grandchildren,” the source explained.
While Prince Harry seems open to welcoming his father, other royals, especially Prince William, are against the idea. Prince William is reportedly baffled by his father’s eagerness to reconcile with Harry. “William can’t understand why Charles would go out on a limb like this. Camilla is against the trip for health reasons,” the New Idea source commented.
Queen Camilla’s concerns primarily revolve around the King’s health. His recent visit to New Zealand was scaled back due to health considerations, and she is apprehensive about the additional strain an emotional journey to the U.S. might impose, especially considering their upcoming tour in Australia.
As King Charles weighs the pros and cons of this potential visit, the royal family’s dynamics continue to draw public attention, with many watching closely to see if the King will make the journey to Montecito.