King Charles has resumed some of his royal duties after undergoing treatment for cancer, which was revealed in January. The monarch, who was crowned just over a year ago, has spent considerable time at the royal estate of Sandringham during his treatment. While his recovery likely demands much of his energy, the ongoing family rift with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is also believed to be on his mind.
Though he hasn't reconciled with the Sussexes, Charles is reportedly making efforts to mend the relationship. His motivation appears to be less about making amends with Harry and Meghan, and more about building a closer relationship with his US-based grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
As he navigates his recovery, Charles has the support of his closest family. A royal expert recently described him as a “workaholic” who is aware that "time is ticking" on his reign. In this context, Queen Camilla’s recent comments on the King's health carry even more weight.
By any measure, King Charles has faced a challenging start to his reign. Since succeeding the late Queen Elizabeth II, the monarchy has confronted numerous challenges, from debates about its role in modern society to personal family issues.
King Charles 'Heartbroken' Over Distant Relationship with Archie and Lilibet
The ongoing feud with Harry and Meghan has dominated headlines, particularly following the accusations the couple made against the royals. As a result, Charles has not only seen little of his son but has also missed out on time with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Charles has yet to visit Archie and Lilibet in the US, and it has been a while since he last saw them. Reportedly, he has only met Archie five times, and Lilibet, who recently turned three, has only seen her royal grandfather once.
Last fall, there were reports that Charles and Harry were planning peace talks. However, conflicting sources claimed there was “no chance” Harry would meet with his brother, William, to reconcile, as the future king refuses to see his younger brother.
Ultimately, nothing came of the proposed talks. Although Harry and his family were reportedly invited to Charles’s 75th birthday in November, they chose not to attend.
“Charles would want Harry and Meghan’s children there,” royal expert and author Angela Levin told The Sun.
“If Harry and Meghan want to make an excuse, that’s their decision. If Harry expects an apology, then he’s mistaken.”
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Despite the strained relationship with Harry and Meghan, Charles is said to be "heartbroken" about his lack of relationship with Archie and Lilibet.
Now 75, Charles is acutely aware of the passage of time, especially following his cancer diagnosis in January. The monarch is reportedly coming to terms with the seriousness of the situation concerning his US-based grandchildren.
“He Knows He Won’t Be Around Forever”
Royal expert Ingrid Seward, author of My Mother and I: The Inside Story of the King and Our Late Queen, told the Mirror that Charles’ cancer diagnosis has made his relationship with Archie and Lilibet “all the more poignant,” as he realizes he “won’t be around forever.”
“Family has always been important to the King. He recalls his own somewhat fragmented childhood, as his parents were often busy with their duties. It is a great sadness to him that he doesn’t see more of Archie and Lilibet,” Seward explained.
“That’s why he will never sever ties with Harry. He doesn’t want a relationship with his son’s children that is limited to FaceTime. He wants to know them and be involved in their lives while they’re still young enough to learn from his wisdom. His cancer diagnosis has made this even more significant to him, as he knows he won’t be around forever.”
Since moving to the US, Harry and Meghan have made numerous accusations against the Royal Family. While members of the Firm have had strong reactions to their claims, recent events seem to have escalated tensions between the Sussexes and the monarchy.
It was a surprise to many when Harry and Meghan embarked on what was perceived as a 'royal' visit to Nigeria for three days in mid-May to support the Invictus Games.
During the trip, Harry and Meghan met with wounded soldiers and their families, and the visit was a significant success. However, their visit reportedly sparked a different reaction in the UK. According to a royal insider speaking with the Mirror, King Charles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton were "furious" about Harry and Meghan's trip.
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Tom Quinn told the Mirror that the Prince and Princess of Wales are not just angry with Harry and Meghan Markle but are also concerned that their worst fears have been realized.
King Charles ‘Discussing’ Stripping Harry & Meghan of Royal Titles
“William is absolutely furious and determined to find a way to prevent this from happening in the future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him,” Quinn told the Mirror, adding that William is upset that the Nigerians “treated Meghan and Harry as if they too thought this was an official tour.”
“It’s as if Harry and Meghan have gone rogue—their Nigeria trip is a bold statement that they refuse to accept they are no longer working royals. William and Charles are scratching their heads, wondering, ‘How do we control this situation?’”
“For Charles and William, it’s as if Meghan and Harry are saying, ‘We don’t need your permission to be working royals—we’ll do it on our terms whenever and wherever we like,’” Quinn added.
While Charles and William may not be able to stop Harry and Meghan from traveling in a manner reminiscent of royals, a new claim suggests that the king has a plan.
According to Quinn, King Charles has been considering stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their titles.
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The Sussexes used their “Duke” and “Duchess” titles—labeled on chairs—during their trip to Nigeria, and their website still reads: “The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan, The Duke & Duchess of Sussex.”
Queen Camilla Shares New Health Update on King Charles
If Quinn’s claims are accurate, Charles and William have had “lengthy discussions” about removing Harry and Meghan's official titles. However, Quinn also noted that doing so carries significant risks.
“They fear this could backfire and worsen the situation,” Quinn told the Mirror.
“The last thing they want is to give the renegade royals more to complain about. Even without their royal titles, Meghan and Harry would continue traveling the world as if they were royals, and most people would still welcome them.”
In King Charles’ absence, Queen Camilla has taken on considerable responsibility, representing him at several royal events. Charles has now returned to some royal duties, including appearances at the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth and Normandy last week.
Given his age, recent cancer diagnosis, and the overall high-stress nature of his role, one might think it would be wise for Charles to take things slow. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Last week, Queen Camilla provided an update on the king’s health, revealing that he refuses to take it easy.
Speaking at the second annual Queen’s Reading Room Literary Festival at Hampton Court Palace last Saturday, Camilla said, as per author Lee Child, that Charles is “doing fine except he won’t slow down and won’t follow orders.”
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Child added, “It sounds like a typical husband.”
Many might find Queen Camilla’s health update surprising. However, royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News that it’s only natural, especially considering Charles' long wait to ascend the throne.
“The Last Thing the Nation Wants Is a Lazy Monarch”
“Given he had the longest wait in history as heir to the throne, his age, and his current health crisis, he is acutely aware that time is ticking,” Fordwich told Fox.
“He has been preparing for this role his entire life, being in line for the throne for 70 years. After waiting so long, he has thrown himself into the job. He wants to make his mark. So all the downtime away from his people makes him anxious and agitated.”
Fordwich concluded, “Every project he has undertaken is meant to make a real impact. They aren’t just ceremonial roles where he shows up occasionally. He has dedicated his life to making a difference. Therefore, the downtime recommended by his doctors is far from welcome. His determination is admirable. The last thing the nation wants is a lazy monarch.”
Meanwhile, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams described King Charles as a “workaholic who skips lunch.”
Summer is typically a busy season for the Royal Family, and this upcoming weekend is one of the highlights of the year. Trooping the Colour has been a beloved royal tradition for centuries; the Royal Museums Greenwich states that the tradition was first started by King George II in 1748.
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As King George’s November birthday was deemed too cold for an outdoor parade, they decided to hold his military parade—known as Trooping the Colour—alongside a public celebration in the summer instead.
King Charles Confirmed to Appear at Trooping the Colour
As a result, Britain’s reigning monarch typically celebrates two birthdays a year, unless they happen to be born on the same day. Trooping the Colour usually occurs on the second Saturday in June each year.
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, Trooping the Colour originated on the battlefield, with a regiment’s flag, also known as “colours,” serving as an important rallying point for soldiers in battle. This year’s celebration is particularly noteworthy, as there has been much speculation about whether King Charles would attend given his health.
It has since been confirmed by the palace that Charles will attend despite his cancer diagnosis. The monarch will ride in a horse-drawn carriage alongside Camilla for the parade, rather than on horseback as he has in previous years.
Of course, many royal fans are most excited about the Royal Family’s appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, where they traditionally gather to greet the crowds outside the gates. Although things have been quiet regarding Kate Middleton lately,
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