Prince William and Kate Unlikely to Meet Harry and Meghan During July 2026 UK Visit

Sources say the royal couples will likely avoid private interactions despite the Sussexes' planned trip for the Invictus Games.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:10pm

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According to multiple reports citing unnamed sources, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales are not expected to meet with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the Sussexes' planned July 2026 visit to the United Kingdom. The trip is tied to preparations for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, but sources indicate there are no plans for a private reunion between the two couples, with any potential encounter likely limited to official royal engagements.

Why it matters

The persistent rift between the two royal couples underscores the ongoing tensions and challenges within the British royal family since the Sussexes' departure from senior royal duties in 2020. The lack of planned personal contact highlights how formal obligations have replaced informal family interactions in recent years.

The details

Sources quoted by outlets like Ok! Magazine and The Mirror suggest that if King Charles III were to invite Harry and Meghan to stay with him, 'that would be a matter for the King alone,' and that William and Kate's position remains unchanged, with them not actively arranging a meeting. Security considerations and Meghan's absence from the U.K. since 2022 further complicate any potential meeting.

  • Prince William and Kate's planned visit to the U.K. is scheduled for July 2026.
  • The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham is the stated purpose of the Sussexes' upcoming trip.

The players

Prince William

The elder son of King Charles III and the current heir to the British throne.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

The wife of Prince William and the current Princess of Wales.

Prince Harry

The younger son of King Charles III and the founder of the Invictus Games.

Meghan Markle

The wife of Prince Harry and a former actress.

King Charles III

The current monarch of the United Kingdom and the father of Princes William and Harry.

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The takeaway

The ongoing rift between the two royal couples highlights the persistent challenges within the British royal family, with formal obligations now taking precedence over informal family interactions. The lack of planned personal contact during the Sussexes' upcoming visit underscores the distance that has grown between the once-close brothers and their families.