King Charles May Extend ‘Olive Branch’ Invitation to Harry and Meghan for Balmoral Visit This Summer
In a move that might thaw frosty relations within the royal family, King Charles III is reportedly considering extending an “olive branch” invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to join him at Balmoral this summer. The monarch’s desire to reconnect with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, is said to be a driving force behind the potential invite.
According to a report from Page Six, King Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment alongside Kate Middleton, is contemplating a reunion with the Sussexes at the royal Scottish estate. A source close to the society described Charles’s motivation: “I can see Charles desperately wanting to see the children, and extending this olive branch to Meghan and Harry.”
The last in-person encounter between King Charles and his grandchildren took place during the Platinum Jubilee Weekend in June 2022, marking a significant gap since their last meeting. The source added, “Balmoral is truly the perfect, restful place for a reunion. If he does issue an invite, then Harry and Meghan should surely agree to the visit.”
However, sources close to the Sussexes indicated that they were not yet aware of any outreach for the summer months. The couple’s previous reluctance to visit Balmoral was noted in 2019 when they declined an invitation from the late Queen Elizabeth II. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl in her book The New Royals, this decision raised some eyebrows within the royal circles. Nicholl explained that the Queen had invited the Sussexes during a special weekend traditionally reserved for her grandchildren and a sleepover for her great-grandchildren.
Instead of visiting Balmoral, Harry and Meghan chose to take their then almost 5-year-old son to Ibiza and the South of France, where they stayed with Elton John. A source close to the Sussexes remarked at the time, “Playing happy families at Balmoral didn’t really fit their narrative.”
Additionally, a 2019 report from The Sun mentioned that Harry and Meghan felt their son Archie was too young to travel to Balmoral, given his age at the time.
As the summer of 2024 approaches, the possibility of a family reunion at Balmoral hangs in the balance, potentially offering a moment for reconciliation and family bonding.