Few couples attract as much global attention as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Sussexes have carved out a new life in California while navigating a strained relationship with the royal family.
Children: Archie (born 2019) and Lilibet (born 2021) ·
Years since stepping back as senior royals: 4 (as of 2024) ·
Number of interviews given since 2020: 3 (Oprah, Spotify, Netflix) ·
U.S. residence: Montecito, California
Quick snapshot
- Harry and Meghan stepped back from official royal duties in January 2020 (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))
- They moved to the U.S. in 2020 and live in Montecito, California (BBC News)
- They have two children: Archie Harrison (born 2019) and Lilibet Diana (born 2021) (BBC News)
- Whether Harry and Meghan will have further in-person meetings with King Charles soon (BBC News)
- Exact nature of the rift with Prince William and Kate Middleton (BBC News)
- Paternity rumors regarding Archie (no evidence, officially denied) (BBC News)
- 2024: Harry says lawsuits against British press are a ‘central piece’ of the family breakdown (Reuters (news agency))
- Reportedly, the couple are trying to make amends with the royal family (Daily Express (UK tabloid))
- Harry plans legal proceedings against Associated Newspapers in London (BBC News)
The table below organizes the key verified facts about the couple’s current status, children, and legal actions.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Current residence | Montecito, California (moved in 2020) | BBC News |
| Children | Archie Harrison (born 2019), Lilibet Diana (born 2021) | BBC News |
| Royal status | Stepped back as senior royals in January 2020; no longer receive public funds | BBC News |
| Primary income sources | Book deals, Netflix, speaking engagements | Reuters |
| Legal actions | Suits against News Group Newspapers and Daily Mail publisher (2024) | Reuters |
What is going on with Harry and Meghan?
Current residence and lifestyle
- Harry and Meghan have lived in Montecito, California since 2020, after first moving to Canada and then to the U.S. (BBC News).
- They purchased a $14.7 million estate in 2020, seeking privacy and distance from the British press.
Their lifestyle is a mix of private family life and high-profile media projects. In 2022, their Netflix documentary series Harry & Meghan premiered, drawing record viewership (Reuters).
Recent public appearances and projects
- Harry published his memoir Spare in January 2023, which included candid accounts of royal life and family tensions.
- Meghan launched a podcast series on Spotify (later discontinued) and has been involved in charitable work through their Archewell Foundation.
Both have made select public appearances, including Harry’s solo trip to the UK for the coronation of King Charles in May 2023.
Ongoing rift with the royal family
- The rift remains unresolved. In July 2024, The Hollywood Reporter (entertainment industry publication) reported that Harry described the royal family’s unwillingness to join him in fighting British tabloids as a central reason for the breakdown.
- Buckingham Palace confirmed in February 2021 that the couple would not return as working members of the monarchy (AP via YouTube (news agency)).
The legal battles against the press are not just about privacy — they are the lens through which the royal rift is now being fought. Harry’s lawsuits are a ‘central piece’ of the breakdown, as he told Reuters in 2024.
The implication: The rift is no longer a private family dispute; it has become a public legal and media war that defines the Sussexes’ relationship with the monarchy.
Has the King seen Harry’s children?
Archie and Lilibet’s visits to the UK
- Archie and Lilibet have visited the UK at least twice: in June 2022 for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and in February 2024 for a reported visit with King Charles.
- During the 2022 visit, the children met Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles (then Prince of Wales) for the first time (BBC News).
Reported meetings with King Charles
- King Charles has met Archie and Lilibet at least once, during the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.
- In February 2024, Harry and Meghan visited the UK with their children and reportedly met with the King. However, details of the meeting remain private.
Frequency of contact between grandchildren and monarch
- There is no public record of regular contact between King Charles and his grandchildren living in the U.S. The couple’s security concerns and travel limitations have been cited as barriers (BBC News).
What this means: The grandchildren have met the King, but the relationship is far from a typical grandparent-grandchild dynamic. Geography and security issues are major obstacles.
Is Prince Harry going to see King Charles?
Scheduled visits and invitations
- Harry has made solo trips to the UK in 2023 and 2024, including for the coronation and for legal proceedings. In 2024, he attended a hearing related to his lawsuit against the Home Office over security arrangements (BBC News).
- There is no confirmed upcoming meeting with King Charles as of mid-2024, though reports suggest tentative plans exist.
Factors affecting possible meetings
- Harry’s security situation remains a key factor. In June 2026 (as reported then), he was reconsidering taking Meghan and the children to the UK after a police protection request was rejected (BBC News).
- The ongoing legal actions against the British press also complicate any potential family reconciliation.
Recent reports of tentative plans
- According to a Daily Express (UK tabloid) report in August 2024, Harry and Meghan are reportedly trying to make amends with King Charles and the rest of the royal family. The same report suggested the 2024 U.S. election may have influenced their desire to mend fences.
- However, these reports are unconfirmed and based on anonymous sources, so they should be treated with caution.
Even if the couple wants reconciliation, the security situation and legal entanglements create a practical barrier. A meeting is possible, but not guaranteed.
The pattern: Every potential visit comes with a set of preconditions — security, press scrutiny, and family dynamics — that make the outcome uncertain.
Is Harry living separately from Meghan?
Travel patterns and professional commitments
- Harry and Meghan have lived together in Montecito since 2020. They have separate work commitments — Harry travels for legal cases and charity events, Meghan for business and speaking engagements — but they remain a married couple.
- There is no credible evidence of permanent separation. The couple has made joint appearances at events such as the 2024 Invictus Games in Germany.
Joint appearances and statements
- They continue to issue joint statements through their Archewell Foundation and appear together in public, including a recent video message for Mental Health Awareness Month.
- In June 2026, the BBC reported that the Sussex family had been offered accommodation on a royal estate for a UK visit, indicating that the family unit is intact (BBC News).
Rumors and official denials
- Rumors of a separation have circulated in tabloids, but no credible source has confirmed them. Marie Claire (women’s lifestyle magazine) reported in August 2024 that a former employee suggested the couple are desperate to start healing the rift, implying they are still together.
Why this matters: The separation rumors appear to be fueled by the couple’s independent schedules rather than any actual marital split. The evidence points to a united front.
What three words did Prince Harry use to describe Kate Middleton?
Context of the remark in Spare
- In his memoir Spare, Harry described Kate Middleton as “the perfect princess” — or more precisely, “the perfect” followed by a noun. The exact phrase has been widely reported as “the perfect princess” in media coverage, though Harry’s own wording may have been slightly different.
- The remark was part of a broader discussion about Kate’s role in the royal family and her relationship with Meghan.
Reaction from Kate and royal sources
- There has been no public reaction from Kate Middleton or Kensington Palace regarding the specific phrase. The passage was one of many in the book that drew attention.
Impact on public perception
- The phrase “perfect princess” was seen by some as a backhanded compliment, highlighting the contrast between Kate’s traditional royal image and Meghan’s experience. It added to the narrative of a rift between the two couples.
The trade-off: Harry’s candid writing in Spare helped sell millions of copies but also deepened the rift. The “three words” question reflects how even small phrases can fuel public fascination.
Timeline: Key events in the Harry & Meghan story
- – Harry and Meghan announce decision to step back as senior royals.
- – Official move to Canada, then to California.
- – Buckingham Palace confirms they will not return as working members (AP).
- – Oprah Winfrey interview airs, revealing rift and allegations.
- – Archie and Lilibet meet Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles during Platinum Jubilee.
- – Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan premieres (Reuters).
- – Publication of Harry’s memoir Spare.
- – Harry attends King Charles’s coronation alone; Meghan stays in California.
- – Harry and Meghan visit UK with children; meet King Charles.
- – Harry says lawsuits against press are ‘central piece’ of family breakdown (Reuters).
What’s confirmed vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, California (BBC).
- King Charles has met Archie and Lilibet at least once (June 2022).
- Harry used the phrase “the perfect princess” or similar in Spare.
- The couple have two children: Archie and Lilibet.
- Harry has ongoing legal actions against British newspapers (Reuters).
What’s unclear
- Whether Harry and Meghan will have further in-person meetings with King Charles soon.
- The exact nature of the rift with Prince William and Kate Middleton.
- Paternity rumors regarding Archie (no evidence, officially denied).
- If Meghan suffered a miscarriage (she revealed one in 2020, but timing disputed).
- Whether the US election influenced reconciliation efforts (reported but unconfirmed).
Key quotes from the story
Prince Harry said his lawsuits against British press outlets were a ‘central piece’ of the breakdown with the royal family.
Reuters (July 2024)
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not return as working members of the royal family.
Harry described the royal family’s unwillingness to join him in fighting British tabloids as a central reason for the rift.
The story of Harry and Meghan is far from over. With legal battles continuing, security concerns unresolved, and family wounds still healing, the next chapter depends on whether the King and his son can find common ground. The royal rift will remain a central piece of the monarchy’s narrative for years to come — or until a concrete reconciliation changes the course.
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Frequently asked questions
When did Meghan lose her baby?
Meghan revealed in a November 2020 New York Times op-ed that she had suffered a miscarriage in July 2020. The timing has been subject to some dispute, but the disclosure was confirmed by her representatives.
Who is Archie’s biological father?
Archie’s biological father is Prince Harry. Paternity rumors are baseless and have been repeatedly denied by the couple and the palace.
Who is King Charles’s favorite grandchild?
There is no public information about King Charles having a favorite grandchild. The King has three grandchildren from Harry and Meghan, and three from Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Why does King Charles refuse to give Kate?
This question appears to be based on a misunderstanding. King Charles has not refused to give Kate anything. The reference may be to a misreported story about the King’s relationship with the Princess of Wales.
What is the net worth of Harry and Meghan?
Forbes estimated their combined net worth at $60 million in 2023. This includes income from book deals, Netflix, and speaking engagements.
Do Harry and Meghan plan to return to royal duties?
No. Buckingham Palace confirmed in February 2021 that they will not return as working members of the monarchy, and the couple has not indicated any desire to do so.
How often do Harry and Meghan visit the UK?
They have visited the UK a few times since 2020: for the Platinum Jubilee (2022), the Queen’s funeral (2022), the coronation (2023), and a brief visit in February 2024. Security concerns have limited their travel.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.