The Duchess of Sussex had originally been linked to Harry’s Invictus Games schedule in Birmingham, where the Duke is marking the one-year countdown to the 2027 Games. However, she is now not expected to attend any official public engagement, with the focus shifting instead to whether she and the children may join Harry privately before the end of his visit.
Prince Harry, Patron of WellChild, meeting patient Alec Hill, 12, who has a rare chromosomal condition, meeting in Birmingham yesterday
Harry greets a child as he leaves the Birmingham Children’s Hospital
It has been reported Meghan could make her first return to the UK since 2022, accompanied by her children Prince Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lilibet, in time for the weekend – but will not be seen in public
One possibility being discussed is that the Sussexes could base themselves at Althorp, the ancestral home of Harry’s maternal family, the Spencers. The location would carry deep emotional meaning for Harry, whose mother, Princess Diana, is buried there. It could also offer a more private setting for the children than London, where Harry has repeatedly expressed concerns over security.
The biggest question now is whether King Charles will see his younger son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren during the visit. Talks about a reunion are said to remain ongoing, but no meeting has yet been confirmed. If the Sussex family does avoid London, any private encounter may have to take place elsewhere, with Highgrove, Sandringham or Windsor mentioned as possible venues.
Harry’s current UK visit has included a moving stop at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where he met seriously ill children, families and nurses while marking the 20th anniversary of WellChild’s nurse programme. The Duke, who has been patron of the charity for 18 years, thanked medical staff for their work and shared a sweet detail about Archie’s love of Lego, calling his son a ‘master builder’.
The visit comes during a turbulent week for the Duke of Sussex, who also suffered a major legal setback after his phone hacking case against the publisher of the Daily Mail was dismissed in full. While that courtroom blow continues to spark headlines, Harry has kept the public focus on Invictus and WellChild, two causes closely tied to his royal and post-royal life.
Meanwhile, the wider Royal Family has continued with a packed summer diary. Prince William travelled to Hastings to meet local fishing and youth organisations, while King Charles and Queen Camilla visited London Zoo to mark the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London.
For royal watchers, Meghan’s possible private return with Archie and Lilibet would be the most sensitive twist yet. If it happens, it may not bring public photos or balcony-style symbolism – but behind palace doors, it could still become one of the most closely watched family moments of Harry’s trip.
