On Jan. 8, 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would step away from their roles as senior working royals — a decision that quickly became known as “Megxit.”

By spring of that year, the transition was finalized, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex no longer carried out official royal duties.

Since then, they have lived in the United States with Meghan’s mother and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. Although they left their senior roles behind, they didn’t step out of public view; instead, they built their own path through charity work, media projects, and various initiatives under their Archewell Foundation brand.

Despite their efforts, the distance between the Sussexes and the royal family has widened. Criticism toward Harry and Meghan has intensified, with public opinion often focusing on their parenting choices and their children’s lives. The rift has become more noticeable over time, especially as speculation surrounds every move they make.

King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis Sparks Hope

When Buckingham Palace revealed King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis, reports emerged suggesting he wanted to reconcile with Harry and Meghan. Many hoped father and son would meet during Harry’s visit to the U.K. for the Invictus Games anniversary, but conflicting schedules reportedly made a meeting impossible.

Insiders also shared that Charles wants to build a stronger relationship with his grandchildren, who live in California. According to these reports, the king hopes for more than occasional video calls.

An Olive Branch for the Sussex Children

On April 9, 2024, a royal insider told Page Six that discussions about Charles offering an olive branch to Harry and Meghan had already begun. “I can see Charles desperately wanting to see the children, and extending this olive branch to Meghan and Harry. He may decide that life is just too short,” the insider said. They added that Balmoral would be an ideal place for a quiet reunion.

However, a spokesperson for Harry later explained that a meeting wouldn’t take place during his trip. “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program… The Duke… hopes to see him soon,” the statement read.

Despite the ongoing tension, Charles did not overlook Lilibet’s third birthday on June 4, 2024. Royal expert Tom Quinn said the king sent her a birthday gift and message. “King Charles had no intention of completely ignoring Lilibet’s birthday,” Quinn shared, noting that Charles is saving a special, handcrafted gift for her once the family situation improves.

A Renewed Desire for Family Connection

Since beginning cancer treatment, Charles has reportedly become “keener than ever” to focus on family and make up for lost time. He has spent limited time with Archie and has only met Lilibet once, which insiders say deeply saddens him.

“The King is absolutely committed to being present in all of his grandchildren’s lives,” a source explained, adding that he wants more than brief video calls with Harry’s children.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward echoed this sentiment, saying Charles’ childhood made him value family deeply. “It is a great sadness to him he doesn’t see more of Archie and Lilibet,” she said. “His cancer has made it all the more poignant.”

A close friend of Harry also offered reassurance: “There has never been an issue with the King being in their lives… The door’s always open.”