King Charles is set for an emotional UK reunion with grandchildren Archie and Lilibet as Harry and Meghan prepare to stay in a high-security royal palace
Harry and Meghan Markle are set to hunker down in a high-security royal palace next month during a whirlwind return to the UK. The Sussexes’ upcoming trip comes six years after they sensationally quit the Firm for a new life in California.
Fears over security have plagued the Duke of Sussex ever since his 24-hour police protection was stripped following Megxit in January 2020. However, it is understood the family could now be put up in Buckingham Palace itself, which an insider has branded the “safest building in Britain”.
Crucially, the trip marks the first time in four years that young Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, will set foot on British soil.
King Charles is reported to be absolutely thrilled at the prospect of being reunited with his grandchildren. Sources claim there is now “an agreement” in place for His Majesty to spend time with the youngsters.
The California-based couple have famously kept their children away from the UK due to ongoing rows over their safety.
But the Sun reports that Meghan has agreed to make her first trip across the pond since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022, provided they stay in a secure royal residence complete with armed guards.
However, mystery still surrounds whether the Duchess will actually join Harry and the kids when they meet the King.
Charles has not laid eyes on Archie and Lilibet, who are sixth and seventh in the line of succession, since the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee back in June 2022.
The entire Sussex clan is scheduled to accompany Harry for a string of events in Birmingham and London from July 6 to 10, ahead of next year’s Invictus Games.
But anyone hoping for a full family truce will be disappointed as Harry is not expected to meet with his estranged brother, Prince William.
The siblings are believed to have suffered a total blackout in communication, having not spoken since their grandmother’s funeral. A selection of grand royal properties are currently being considered to house the Sussexes.
Buckingham Palace is a top contender. While it is currently empty of royals due to a massive £369million renovation, it offers unparalleled protection.
Insiders note the iconic landmark is guarded round-the-clock by the Household Division, active Army personnel, and armed Metropolitan Police officers. Harry has previously knocked back offers from his father to stay there during solo UK visits.
Other secure options on the table include St James’s Palace in central London, Windsor Castle, or even their old stomping ground, Frogmore Cottage.
Frogmore has sat vacant since the couple were evicted in 2022, but it crucially remains within Windsor Castle’s strict security perimeter.
The upcoming visit follows a string of tentative olive branches. Back in May 2025, Harry explicitly told the BBC about his hopes for a royal reconciliation.
Later that year in September, he enjoyed a brief 45-minute meeting with Charles at Clarence House, where he reportedly brought along a framed photograph of his children for the King. Harry also flew in alone to support his father following his cancer diagnosis two years ago.
The family last stayed together in the UK during the June 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Frogmore Cottage – a trip that saw Meghan face a mixed reception of cheers and boos outside St Paul’s Cathedral.
The couple returned to Frogmore for the Queen’s funeral three months later, though they left the children in the US.
Tensions peaked in early 2023 when Harry dropped his bombshell memoir Spare, taking aim at his family and detailing his grievances with royal life. Days later, the couple were served their eviction notice from Frogmore.