Prince Harry ‘desperate’ for cancer-recovering King Charles to meet kids Archie and Lilibet
Prince Harry is reportedly longing for King Charles to travel to California in 2026 and finally spend time with his two grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, amid renewed optimism about the monarch’s health and a potential breakthrough in Harry’s long-running security battle.
Friends of the Duke of Sussex claim he is eager for his father to visit his Montecito home with Meghan Markle, hoping the trip could mark a turning point in their strained relationship.
According to reports, Harry wants the King to make time to see Archie, now six, and Lilibet, four, during an upcoming visit to the United States.
King Charles and Prince William are both expected to travel to the US separately in April as part of efforts to revive a key trade deal that was previously put on hold by US President Donald Trump.
Harry is said to be hoping that, amid those commitments, the King might carve out time for a personal visit.
Charles is believed not to have seen his youngest son’s children since Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Since then, Harry has largely avoided bringing his family to the UK, citing safety concerns following the removal of his taxpayer-funded armed police protection after stepping down as a working royal in 2020.
The situation was compounded by the King’s health. As Charles underwent treatment for cancer, travel to the US was considered unrealistic. The monarch revealed last month, however, in an unprecedented video message, that his cancer treatment would be significantly scaled back in the New Year.
King Charles previously disclosed that he was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 after being admitted to hospital for treatment related to an enlarged prostate. Nearly two years on, he has spoken of a major boost in his recovery, describing the experience as a "personal blessing," a development that has reportedly raised hopes of a reunion with Harry and his children.
At the same time, sources close to the Sussexes claim Harry has effectively won his fight to have his round-the-clock security restored. He was furious when the Royal and VIP Executive Committee removed his 24-hour armed protection in 2020, a decision he has challenged ever since.
Currently, Harry must give the Metropolitan Police 30 days’ notice before arriving in the UK, with security arrangements assessed individually for each visit. However, during a trip to London in September, the Met voluntarily provided him with personal protection.
That decision was reportedly made without input from the Home Office or the Royal Family and was instead based on the high-profile nature of the event Harry attended, which involved a large number of children. Despite this, a stalker allegedly managed to get within feet of the Prince on two occasions during the visit.
Sources close to the Sussexes told The Mail on Sunday that, following a fresh risk assessment by RAVEC, the reinstatement of armed security is now effectively guaranteed. They said: "It's now a formality. Sources at the Home Office have indicated that security is now nailed on for Harry."
A ruling in Harry’s favor, expected within weeks, could also make it more feasible for him to bring his children to the UK—though the Prince is reportedly still hoping his father will instead come to them.
King Charles and Harry last met face to face in September 2025, ending a 19-month period without any in-person contact.
One source said: "Harry has made it clear that he would love his dad to come and visit him and the family. He knows that they are strained, but he has mentioned several times a hope that his father can have a relationship with his grandchildren."