Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are bringing Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the UK in July for the first time since 2022. But experts doubt their cousins—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will be part of any reunion, citing packed summe
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are planning to bring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the UK in July for the first time since 2022—an invite that sounds like it should come with a built-in family reunion.
But the excitement may be short-lived. If there’s any get-together next month, experts say don’t expect it to include the Wales children.
King Charles III is reportedly making it easier for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to stay comfortable in the country for the Invictus Games. He’s offering royal lodging and covering their security arrangements. And in return, the King gets something he’s been waiting for: time with his grandkids.
Still, when it comes to whether Archie and Lilibet will see Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, royal commentator Amanda Matta says there’s “no indication” it will happen.
“Even if relations are gradually improving, the Wales household likely has a full schedule already in place for the summer, and any reunion involving the cousins would require tons of planning and goodwill from all parties involved,” Matta said.
Time, logistics, and family warmth are only part of the story. Matta points directly to the underlying tension between the families—calling the feud among Harry, Meghan, William, and Catherine “the biggest hurdle” to any cousin reunion.
“Particularly if Catherine were to be involved in any potential plans,” Matta added.
Royal reporter Emily Nash echoes the uncertainty, saying it’s “far too soon to say” whether the cousins will meet. But she still doesn’t think it will happen this time.
“I mean, you never know. If it was part of a wider family gathering. it’s possible they could be at the same place at the same time. But. you know. given the very fractious nature of the relationship between William and Harry. I don’t see them rushing to spend time together just because Harry’s back in the UK. ” Nash said.
In other words: Charles can lay the groundwork for a smooth visit, but he can’t snap the relationship between the two brothers into place overnight.
That’s the key question, and Nash frames it plainly: the brothers’ relationship has to improve first.
“I think that’s the sort of question for down the line. I think, fundamentally, you have two brothers here who were not speaking to one another. That is the key relationship that needs to be resolved, really, before anything else can happen,” Nash said.
Still, both commentators land on a more hopeful note about the kids’ future. Nash says she believes the princes want the next generation to connect someday.
“In any family, you would hope that cousins would have a chance to spend time together and grow up together, and I’m sure they don’t feel any differently,” Nash said.
For now, though, Matta and Nash agree on one thing: a happy reunion between Meghan, Harry, Catherine, and William—regardless of the children—doesn’t seem likely, even with King Charles trying to make things easier.
Nash also assumes Charles isn’t forcing himself into the middle of the rift right now. She says he’s likely focused on his own personal moment—spending time with his son he hasn’t seen for a long time, and potentially meeting his grandchildren.
“I think he probably is just focused on his own moment of spending time with the son he’s not seen for a long time, especially potentially meeting his grandchildren … I’m sure that’s probably his primary focus right now,” Nash said.
So while July’s UK visit for the Invictus Games could bring Archie and Lilibet a chance to be close to their grandfather, the cousin reunion many people might hope for appears, at least for this trip, to be off the table.
Prince Harry Meghan Markle Archie Lilibet King Charles III Invictus Games Prince William Princess Catherine Prince George Princess Charlotte Prince Louis royal cousins UK visit