King Charles III has privately urged members of the royal family to lower tensions ahead of a planned July return to Britain by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, according to people familiar with the discussions, as preparations intensify for a one-year countdown event for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
The prospective visit, expected around July 10, would mark Meghan's first appearance on British soil since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. While Harry has traveled back several times on his own, the Duchess of Sussex has remained in California with the couple's children, Archie and Lilibet, citing security concerns and strained family relations.
People close to the couple say the Invictus Games anniversary provides a structured rationale for the trip. "It helps that they can frame the whole thing around Invictus, that gives them a very clear reason to be in the UK," one source said. "But that doesn't mean there isn't a lot of dread for Meghan."
Behind the scenes, the visit carries implications that extend beyond charity. Meghan, who launched her lifestyle brand As Ever in 2025, is increasingly conscious of the commercial value attached to her royal title, advisers say. The brand has expanded from shelf-stable food products into limited-edition lifestyle items, and maintaining her formal designation as Duchess of Sussex is viewed as important to its international positioning.
Harry, 41, has sought to reduce friction around the visit. "Harry has promised Meghan that it will all be on her terms," a person familiar with the matter said. "He won't force her into any awkward meetings." Central to those assurances is the outcome of an ongoing Home Office security review, which could restore the couple's access to publicly funded armed police protection during UK visits, a condition Harry has repeatedly described as non-negotiable before bringing their children back.
At the palace, the King is attempting to manage the optics. Charles, 77, who met privately with Harry at Clarence House last September, is said to have emphasized a calm and respectful approach from the wider family. "The King's made his position clear, he expects everyone to make nice with the Sussexes and ensure this is a stress-free occasion," a source said, adding that private meetings would remain optional.
The timing adds complexity. The Invictus countdown coincides with celebrations surrounding Queen Camilla's 80th birthday, raising sensitivities within royal circles. Relations between Harry and Prince William remain particularly strained, with people close to the heir saying he has little appetite for reconciliation.
Some aides point to Catherine, Princess of Wales as a potential intermediary. Following her recent return to public duties after a period of illness, the Princess of Wales is described as open to easing tensions and possibly engaging Meghan directly to "iron out differences."
