Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have not been traveling to the UK recently, and there are several reasons behind this decision. The couple, who stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020, have since relocated to Montecito, California, where they are raising their two children away from the royal spotlight.
One of the primary reasons for their absence from the UK is the ongoing tension between Prince Harry and the rest of the royal family. The release of Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” has reportedly deepened the rift, particularly with his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. According to sources, William and Kate feel betrayed by the revelations in the book and are not interested in reconciling at this time. This strained relationship makes it difficult for Harry and Meghan to bring their children to the UK, where they would inevitably be caught in the middle of family conflicts.
Additionally, Meghan Markle has expressed concerns about the safety of her children in the UK. After Harry lost a court case over his police security in Britain, Meghan reportedly feels unsafe returning to the country with Archie and Lilibet. The couple’s security concerns were heightened when the exact time and date of their appearance at the Invictus Games ceremony were made public, increasing the security risk for the family. As a result, Meghan has decided that it is safer for her and the children to stay in the US.
Meghan is also worried that Archie and Lilibet might blame her in the future for depriving them of their royal roles and the chance to grow up close to their cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. A royal author has claimed that Meghan misses some aspects of life in the UK and is concerned that her children might feel they missed out on a meaningful existence as working royals. However, the couple has chosen to prioritize their children’s safety and well-being over royal duties.
Despite these concerns, Harry and Meghan are committed to providing a stable and loving environment for their children in California. They have focused on their charitable work through the Archewell Foundation, supporting causes such as education, women’s empowerment, and racial justice. Harry has expressed his desire for his children to grow up in a better, fairer, and safer world, and he is determined to make a positive impact through his work.
Archie and Lilibet have not spent much time with their royal cousins, as they rarely visit the UK. The children did not accompany Harry on his trips to the UK in 2023, including King Charles’s coronation. Instead, Meghan stayed in California with the children to celebrate Archie’s birthday, which coincided with the coronation. This decision highlights the couple’s commitment to their children’s well-being and their desire to shield them from the complexities of royal life.
Harry and Meghan’s life in California is more relaxed compared to their previous routines as working royals. They have created a nurturing environment for their children, emphasizing the importance of moral character and manners. Harry has shared that being a father is incredibly meaningful to him, and he is grateful for the opportunity to raise his children away from the pressures of royal duties.
The couple has also made efforts to ensure that their children have a connection to their royal heritage. Archie and Lilibet received their titles of prince and princess after their grandfather, King Charles, became monarch. The royal family’s official website was updated to reflect their new titles, and the children’s names were later updated to include the Sussex family surname.
In his memoir, Harry expressed his hope that his children would have meaningful relationships with members of the royal family. He has stated that he wants a family, not an institution, and he is committed to fostering positive connections for his children. However, the current strained relationships and security concerns make it challenging for the family to visit the UK.
Despite the challenges, Harry and Meghan are dedicated to providing a loving and supportive environment for Archie and Lilibet. They continue to focus on their charitable work and advocacy, striving to make the world a better place for their children. While the future may hold opportunities for reconciliation and visits to the UK, for now, the couple is prioritizing their children’s safety and well-being in their California home.
Source: Daily Beast, The Mirror, People, Getty Images, AP
