Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have been raising their children — Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet — in the United States. The move, announced on January 8, 2020, marked a significant change for the couple and their relationship with the rest of the Royal Family.

Now, recent public commentary from royal experts and biographers indicates that King Charles III has a strong interest in maintaining and strengthening his bond with his grandchildren, despite the physical distance and reduced in-person contact.

Life After Stepping Back from Royal Duties

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed in early 2020 that they would step back as senior working royals, a transition that was completed by the spring of that year. Since then, they have focused on charitable, creative, and business ventures, many of which operate under the Archewell Foundation.

They currently live in Montecito, California, along with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. While they have participated in public events, the couple has kept their children largely out of the public eye.

King Charles’s Health and Renewed Focus on Family

In early 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and would be adjusting his public schedule to allow for treatment and recovery. According to reputable outlets including BBC News, the King has since taken a step back from some engagements while continuing to fulfill his constitutional duties.

Royal commentators, such as Ingrid Seward, author of My Mother and I – The Inside Story of the King and Our Late Queen, have suggested that the King’s health situation has underscored the importance of family time for him. Speaking to the media, Seward noted that the King’s own childhood involved long absences from his parents due to royal duties, which may contribute to his desire to be more present in his grandchildren’s lives.

Limited In-Person Meetings with Archie and Lilibet

Publicly available information confirms that King Charles has met Prince Archie only a small number of times and Princess Lilibet once in person. The infrequency of visits is largely due to the Sussex family’s residence in California and the demands of royal schedules on both sides.

Despite these limitations, sources close to the royal household have told major UK outlets such as The Mirror that the King values the opportunity for personal contact over virtual communication. Reports indicate that he wishes to be more actively involved while his grandchildren are young.

Marking Special Occasions

Although the King has not frequently been able to spend in-person time with Archie and Lilibet, reputable royal correspondents have noted that he has acknowledged significant milestones. For example, on June 4, 2024, Lilibet’s third birthday, multiple UK media outlets, including The Mirror, reported that King Charles sent a gift and a personal message.

Royal expert Tom Quinn has commented that such gestures reflect the King’s intention to maintain connections, even from afar.

Perspective from Royal Biographers

Biographer Ingrid Seward has emphasized that King Charles is committed to having relationships with all of his grandchildren, including those who live overseas. In past interviews, she has explained that the King’s approach is rooted in his belief in the importance of family continuity and personal bonds.

The Role of the Wider Royal Family

While Prince William’s children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — see their grandfather more regularly due to living in the UK, royal watchers say the King hopes to cultivate a similar warmth with Archie and Lilibet. The King is frequently described in reputable profiles as an engaged and affectionate grandfather.

Public Statements from the Sussexes

While Prince Harry and Meghan have not publicly detailed every aspect of their children’s relationship with King Charles, they have not indicated that the King is excluded from their lives. In past interviews, Harry has expressed appreciation for moments when his children have interacted with their grandfather.

Representatives for the Duke of Sussex have confirmed in previous public statements that the couple remains open to opportunities for family contact, provided schedules align.

Distance and Scheduling Challenges

Travel and official commitments remain practical barriers to more frequent meetings. The Sussexes’ base in California and the King’s responsibilities in the UK mean that visits require coordination well in advance. Additionally, King Charles’s adjusted schedule due to medical treatment further limits availability for long-distance travel.

Looking Ahead

As King Charles continues his reign, his publicly expressed commitment to family is expected to remain a priority. Royal commentators suggest that finding ways to maintain personal connections with all of his grandchildren, regardless of distance, will be important to him.

Observers note that any future meetings between the King, Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children will depend on mutual availability, family priorities, and the ongoing management of royal duties.

Conclusion

King Charles III’s interest in being a present figure in the lives of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet reflects a broader theme of his reign: balancing the demands of monarchy with personal and family relationships.

While geographic distance and complex schedules have limited in-person contact, the King’s actions — from marking birthdays to expressing a desire for more visits — suggest an ongoing commitment to staying connected.

As both the UK and global audiences watch the evolving story of the Royal Family, one thing remains clear: family bonds remain a valued part of the King’s priorities.

Sources:

• Royal.uk – The Royal Family
• BBC News – King Charles Cancer Diagnosis
• The Mirror – King Charles and Lilibet’s Birthday
• Ingrid Seward – Author Profile