Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle waited so long to tell the King about their move


The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's news was shared with the King days before it was with the world - but did he know before that?


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34 minutes ago

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's plans to relocate to the UK with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have no doubt left royal fans with many questions.

Members of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, Zara and Mike Tindall, Prince Edward and James, Earl of Wessex, were called to Balmoral for a "Sussex Summit" on Friday to dissect the bombshell news.

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As for the King, it may seem as though the news was shared with him at the eleventh hour, even though he found out days before the rest of the world last Sunday. However, HELLO!'s Royal Editor Emily Nash has explained that this may not have necessarily been the case.

 "Well, I think that it's probably not the first he's heard of it, to be honest," Emily revealed on A Right Royal Podcast, I think that it would be extraordinary if they hadn't mentioned to him the fact that they were considering this. But I think they then presented it to him as a kind of done deal just on Sunday.

"So as much as he may have been having conversations with his dad about this, they actually have pushed the button quite late and not a moment too soon, you know, because those children will be starting school in just two or three weeks from now."

What was King Charles' reaction to news of Harry and Meghan's return?

HELLO! King Charles welcomes the opportunity to see more of Harry and his family in a private and personal capacity, but their roles within the royal family will remain unaffected by the move.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stand with Charles, Prince of Wales, at an event.© Getty Images
The King welcomes the opportunity to spend time with Harry and Meghan and their children in a private capacity

Harry and Meghan will remain as private individuals and non-working royals, in keeping with , and the couple have not been offered a "" option in their roles.

also had prior notice

As well as the King, had prior notice of Harry and Meghan's decision. Emily explained: "We believe the Waleses were made aware beforehand. They didn't find out at the same time as the rest of the world. So they've had time to process this.

Prince Charles and Prince William stand together in red military uniforms with medals.© Samir Hussein/WireImage
William was reportedly with the King when the news broke

"I can't see a world in which they would be welcoming them back with open arms. But you would anticipate that the King will have spoken to William about this if he was made aware." 

The future King was also with his father when the news broke on Wednesday, according to the Times.

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