Real reason King Charles won’t see Archie and Lilibet on US tour

Archie and Lilibet haven’t seen their paternal grandfather since 2022 (Image: Instagram/meghan)

King Charles is reportedly not considering seeing his two youngest grandchildren in April due to the possibility that a meeting could “dominate headlines”. The 77-year-old, also grandfather to Prince William’s three children, is thought to have not seen Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, since June 2022.

The young royals travelled to the UK with their parents to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee – a visit that also coincided with Lilibet’s first birthday. With a visit overseas to the US reportedly on the cards, which will only take place if his health allows him to travel, the King will likely not make a stop to see Harry and his two youngest grandchildren in California for one major reason.

Discussing whether a meeting could be on the cards, royal author Robert Jobson explained: “But there will be no detour.”

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Writing for HELLO! at the end of 2025, he added: “While some close to the palace quietly suggest the Sussexes could travel east for a discreet meeting in Washington, their presence would dominate headlines, eclipsing the state visit, so for that reason, it remains improbable.”

The King is said to be “very sad” over his lack of relationship with Archie, who was born in the UK in 2019, and Lilibet.

Lilibet, who is known to have affectionately been given the nickname of ‘Lili’ by her parents, was born in California in June 2021 – a year after Harry and Meghan moved to the US.

Speaking previously to Grazia about the King’s relationship with his youngest son, a source said: “The King does not like conflict and he would love for this all to be resolved but Harry has to earn the trust back. The ball is in his court in that respect.

“The King loves his son and he is very sad he has not spent any time with Archie and Lilibet, but Harry hasn’t made reconciliation easy.

If the visit goes ahead, the King will likely be joined by his wife Queen Camilla.

The trip will be as part of a visit to revitalise a key trade deal put on “pause” by President Donald Trump.