Prince Harry is preparing to return to London later this month but the trip is already being overshadowed by a familiar absence that continues to raise eyebrows. Once again the Duke of Sussex will arrive without Meghan Markle and their children reinforcing a growing pattern that has quietly defined the couple’s relationship with Britain.
Meghan will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet extending a separation that has now lasted more than three years when it comes to UK visits. The Duchess of Sussex has not set foot in Britain since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022 while the children were last seen during the Platinum Jubilee earlier that same year.
Since stepping back from royal duties Prince Harry has returned to the UK multiple times on his own. From court appearances to charity events and ceremonial occasions he has navigated his homeland solo while his family stays firmly based in the United States.
Royal watchers say the optics are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Every solo visit adds to speculation about deep rooted issues ranging from security fears to unresolved family tensions and Meghan Markle’s continued reluctance to face the British public again.
This latest trip is expected to be serious rather than sentimental. Prince Harry is preparing for another High Court showdown in his long running legal battle against Associated Newspapers Limited the publisher behind the Daily Mail Mail on Sunday and MailOnline.
The case has been ongoing for years and centres on allegations of unlawful information gathering. It has become one of the most defining chapters of Harry’s post royal life tying him repeatedly back to the UK through the courts rather than through family reconciliation.
Despite the legal significance of the visit there are no signs of a broader family reunion. Archie and Lilibet are not expected to travel and there has been no indication of private meetings with senior royals beyond what is strictly necessary.
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King Charles has only met his granddaughter Lilibet once when she was just six months old during the Sussexes brief return for the Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Since then birthdays milestones and everyday moments have passed across the Atlantic.
Sources suggest contact between Harry and his father remains limited and carefully managed. While there have been occasional brief encounters there has been no sustained effort to rebuild the closeness that once defined their relationship.
The absence of Meghan Markle continues to fuel debate. Supporters argue her decision is rooted in safety concerns and emotional wellbeing while critics claim it reflects a deeper unwillingness to reconnect with the UK and the royal family.
Security has long been cited as a major factor. Prince Harry has repeatedly stated that he does not feel safe bringing his wife and children to Britain without guaranteed police protection an issue still tied up in legal proceedings and Home Office decisions.
Yet others believe the distance goes beyond logistics. Meghan’s last appearance in Britain was during a period of intense scrutiny and grief following the late Queen’s death and some insiders say she has little desire to reopen that chapter.
Public perception also plays a role. Every solo appearance by Harry revives conversations about Megxit royal rifts and whether the couple are truly aligned when it comes to their future relationship with the monarchy.
As Prince Harry prepares to land in London once more the focus is not just on the courtroom battle ahead but on the growing reality that his homecomings no longer resemble a family affair. For many royal watchers the silence from Meghan Markle speaks louder than any statement.
