King Charles is reportedly keen to build a stronger bond with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – but will only meet them on one condition. The 77-year-old is known to be a doting grandfather to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and eight-year-old Prince Louis – and is said to want the same relationship with his two youngest grandchildren.
Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, who will turn five next week, have spent very little time with their royal relatives – especially as they live in California with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It has been rumoured that the Duke of Sussex is keen to bring his children to the UK this year – with the Balmoral estate in Scotland highlighted as the likely place where the King could spend quality time with Archie and Lilibet.
Speaking about the possible visit, which will likely only take place if security for the Sussex family is approved, royal author Ingrid Seward told the Mirror: “The only place that really I think they could meet if the King is to get to know or at least see his grandchildren, is at Balmoral.
“It’s the only time the King has time and the Sussexes could be accommodated there because there’s lots of cottages on the Estate.”
However, the author insisted that the King would allow the meeting to take place if Harry and Meghan agree to certain rules.
She added: “Harry and Meghan don’t have to stay in the castle, although of course they would expect to, but that’s fine. They would make sure, obviously, that William and Kate weren’t there at the same time.”
“[Charles] has a private secretary and other staff to deal with all of the details. They’d have them buttoned up as much as you can button them up.”
Prince Archie was born in the UK in May 2019, and celebrated his seventh birthday earlier this month.
He is thought to have spent time with his royal relatives before moving to the US with his parents in 2020. Lilibet, however, was born in June 2021 following her family’s move to California.
Both children travelled to the UK in 2022 to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with Lilibet thought to have met the King for the first time during this visit.