Prince Harry could potentially find himself in the same country as his father, King Charles, next year, but a follow-up reunion between the two appears unlikely.
Earlier this year, the father and son met for the first time in 18 months when Harry visited Clarence House for tea during a trip to the UK.
The meeting followed a period of estrangement, during which Harry said his father had stopped communicating with him amid his court case against the UK Home Office over security arrangements while in the country—a case Harry ultimately lost.
Potential Overlap in the U.S.
Reports suggest that King Charles and Queen Camilla may undertake a state visit to the United States, where Harry lives with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Despite the potential proximity, royal expert Jennie Bond told Mirror that a private meet-up during the trip is unlikely.
“State visits are incredibly busy. The schedule is worked out months in advance and is tightly packed with carefully curated engagements designed to enhance bilateral relations,” Bond said. “There is very little downtime, and I can’t think that the King would fly across the whole country to visit Harry and his family in California.”
Busy Schedule for the Visit
Sources in Washington, D.C., and London have reportedly revealed that the state visit plans include a White House visit in late April, coinciding with events marking the 250-year anniversary of the founding of the United States, assuming Charles’ health permits travel.
The visit would be a major diplomatic moment ahead of the July 4 Independence Day celebrations.
Despite the packed itinerary, Bond noted that Charles is likely eager to see his grandchildren. He has only met Princess Lilibet once and Archie a few times.
“I’m sure Charles would love to meet his grandchildren again, and so I suppose it’s conceivable that the Sussexes could take a flight to New York, or wherever the King and Queen are based, for a brief reunion,” she said.
Official Duties Take Priority
However, Bond emphasized that state visits are highly official events.
“Visits like this are about as official as it can get, and it’s really not a time for patching up severely strained family relationships. A meeting would also inevitably draw the headlines away from the purpose of the visit,” she added.
Instead, it is more likely that Harry and his family will maintain a low profile during the royal visit.
The rumors of the U.S. state visit follow King Charles’ recent hosting of the U.S. President and First Lady in the UK, marking a historic engagement.
During that visit, Trump was welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales, attended a flypast and guard inspection with the King, and joined a state banquet at Windsor Castle.
Both Charles and Trump delivered speeches, with Trump calling the second state visit “the highest honour” of his life.
King Charles (left) and Donald trump (right)
Source: Mirror
Tags
Entertainment