King Charles III has reunited with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in a rare family gathering that marks a significant step towards easing years of tensions within the royal family.
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According to the BBC, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Friday that the King and Queen Camilla hosted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children at Highgrove House, the monarch's private residence in Gloucestershire.
The Palace described it as a "private family occasion" and did not release any photographs or further details from the meeting.
First meeting with Archie and Lilibet in over four years
The reunion marks the first time King Charles has seen his grandchildren, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, in person in more than four years.
It was also the first time Prince Harry and Meghan have been together in the UK since attending Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022.
The report added that both Harry and King Charles wanted to meet during the Duke's latest visit, with the monarch particularly keen to spend time with his young grandchildren.
Harry's UK visit
Prince Harry has been in the UK this week for a series of engagements, including events related to the Invictus Games for injured and sick service personnel.
Earlier on Friday, he attended an event in Birmingham, where he received a warm welcome from participants and supporters. The Duke also tried activities including pickleball and wheelchair rugby.
Although there had been speculation that Meghan, Archie and Lilibet would accompany him to public engagements, it was later confirmed that they would not attend any official events.
William and Harry did not meet
While Harry was visiting Highgrove House, Prince William was playing in a charity polo match in Windsor.
According to the publication, there were no plans for the brothers to meet during Harry and Meghan's visit, with their relationship continuing to remain strained.
Relations between Prince Harry and the royal family have remained tense since he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to California.
