We're days away from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touching down in the UK, as it's been reported they wish to be here by the end of the month. The Sussexes' big move is an opportunity for reconciliation after years of estrangement and strained relationships within the royal family. It is believed that Prince William and Princess Kate are yet to meet Prince Harry's secondborn child, Princess Lilibet, who was born in America in 2021.
In the same month that Lilibet was welcomed into the world, Princess Kate was quizzed by journalists about whether she had FaceTimed her newest relative. She replied: "No, I haven't. No."
© Getty ImagesThe royal then added: "I wish her all the very best. I can’t wait to meet her, because we haven’t yet… met her yet, so hopefully that will be soon."
Now, five years later, a meeting could be on the cards when the family land in the UK for an extended period of time.
Royal author Russell Myers revealed that William and Kate did send a gift stateside when Lilibet was born. In his book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, he penned: "As Harry and Meghan welcomed the birth of their daughter Lilibet on 4 June 2021, William and Catherine sent a gift and a card of congratulations – although that would be the extent of their contact."
Harry and Meghan did travel with both of their children to the UK in June 2022 for the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. During the family's visit, Lilibet, who was one at the time, met her great-grandmother and her grandfather King Charles for the first time in person. However, it's believed the Sussexes and Waleses did not meet in private during the trip.
How have the royal family reacted to Harry & Meghan's shock news?
King Charles was only informed of his son's surprising relocation plans three days before the news broke. It's understood that the 77-year-old monarch, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024, welcomes the opportunity to see more of the Sussex family, which we're sure is music to Harry's ears.
© Getty ImagesConversely, Prince William is said to be not so happy about the change of heart. HELLO!'s Royal Editor Emily Nash says that Prince William and Kate are likely "not delighted" about the news of Harry's imminent return. She told HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast: "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.
"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."
