King Charles III holds first family meeting with Harry and Meghan in years as monarchy navigates busy 2026
The King received Prince Harry, Meghan and their children in July 2026 in the first family meeting for years, amid a busy period of honours removals, travel plans and public appearances.
King Charles III received Prince Harry, Meghan and their children at a family meeting on a Friday in July 2026, the first such gathering in several years. The meeting was described as part of an effort to mend the family rift that followed the couple's public falling out with the royal family.
King Charles III received Prince Harry, Meghan and their children at a family meeting on a Friday in July 2026, the first such gathering in several years. The meeting was described as part of an effort to mend a family rift that followed a public falling out. The reunion comes during an eventful period for the King, who is monarch of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. He has removed honours from 10 people during 2026, and in July formally cancelled and annulled a knighthood, according to reports — the most high-profile of the year's removals. He is also expected to travel to Ireland in 2027, with Limerick city under consideration as a stop, reports suggest. The meeting matters because it signals a possible thaw in the most damaging dispute the royal family has faced in recent years. Biographer Tina Brown has said the King is less irritated with Harry than Prince William is, while sources cited by Wonderwall.com claim Charles has himself grown frustrated with William over work and image matters.
King receives Harry, Meghan and children in first family meeting for years
On a Friday in July 2026, King Charles III received Prince Harry, Meghan and their children in what was described as the first such family gathering in several years. The meeting was framed as part of an effort to mend a rift that opened after a public falling out between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
The encounter has drawn attention to the state of relationships within the family. According to biographer Tina Brown, the King is less irritated with Prince Harry than Prince William is, suggesting the father-son channel may be more open than the one between the brothers. At the same time, sources cited by Wonderwall.com said Charles has grown frustrated with Prince William over matters of work and image.
No outcome from the July meeting has been made public. Whether it leads to a lasting reconciliation, or remains a single private encounter, is not yet known. What is clear is that the door, closed for years, has been opened at least once.
Ten honours removed in 2026, including an annulled knighthood
King Charles III has removed honours from 10 people during 2026, a notable exercise of the Crown's rarely used power to strip titles. The most striking case came in July, when the King formally cancelled and annulled a knighthood. According to reports, it was the most recent and most high-profile of the year's removals. The identity of the knighthood holder has not been disclosed in the sources, nor have the names of the other nine people whose honours were withdrawn. Forfeitures of this kind are uncommon, and the annulment of a knighthood — rather than a lesser honour — marks an especially significant step for the palace to take.
Ireland visit expected in 2027, with Limerick under consideration
King Charles is expected to travel to Ireland in 2027, with Limerick city under consideration as a stop, according to reports. The visit would be his first to the country in five years.
Reports note that Charles last travelled to Ireland in March 2022, when his itinerary included Waterford and Tipperary. During that trip, he reportedly said he wanted to see all of Ireland's counties — an ambition that remains incomplete, with the border and midland regions among the areas he has yet to visit.
A stop in Limerick would extend his coverage of the island's counties, though the city has so far only been described as under consideration rather than confirmed. No date for the 2027 visit has been announced.
Charles visited Ireland, with stops including Waterford and Tipperary, and said he wanted to see all of Ireland's counties; he has yet to visit the border or midland regions.
King Charles III was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer; Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on a Tuesday after the announcement that it had been caught early.
King Charles III removed honours from 10 people over the course of 2026.
The King formally cancelled and annulled a knighthood, described as the most recent and most high-profile of the 2026 honours removals.
King Charles III received Prince Harry, Meghan and their children in a family meeting, the first such gathering in several years, described as part of an effort to mend a family rift.
King Charles appeared publicly alongside Lady Sarah Chatto, his first cousin through their mothers, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.
King Charles is expected to travel to Ireland, with Limerick city under consideration as a stop.
Manx title, rare £1 coin and questions over 'Defender of the Faith'
According to reports, the King has made his first official visit to the Isle of Man, a self-governing island where he holds a distinct three-word title said to have been in use for 260 years. Two royal broadcasters drew attention to the lesser-known Manx title.
Elsewhere, Britons were advised to check their change after a £1 coin featuring Charles III entered circulation with a rare error that could reportedly make it worth more than £1,000.
Concerns were also raised after the King appeared to omit the title "Defender of the Faith" from an annual review, according to reports. The title is associated with the monarch's role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and the reported change was described as a shift toward a role supporting all religions. It is not known whether the omission was intentional.
Frequently asked questions
Did King Charles meet Prince Harry and Meghan in 2026?
Yes. On a Friday in July 2026, King Charles III received Prince Harry, Meghan and their children in a family meeting, the first such gathering in several years. It was described as part of an effort to mend the family rift that followed a public falling out. The outcome of the meeting has not been disclosed.
How many honours has King Charles removed in 2026?
King Charles III removed honours from 10 people during 2026. In July 2026 he formally cancelled and annulled a knighthood, described as the most recent and most high-profile of the year's removals, according to reports. The identities of those stripped of honours have not been confirmed in the sources consulted.
Is King Charles visiting Ireland, and when?
Reports suggest King Charles III is expected to travel to Ireland in 2027, with Limerick city under consideration as a stop. His last visit was in March 2022, when his itinerary included Waterford and Tipperary. During that trip he reportedly said he wanted to see all of Ireland's counties; he has not yet visited the border or midland regions.
What cancer does King Charles have?
According to reports, King Charles III was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer. Rishi Sunak, prime minister at the time, said on the Tuesday following the announcement that the cancer had been caught early. The diagnosis was reported to have caused widespread shock. Neither the date of the announcement nor the type of cancer has been disclosed.
What is King Charles's title on the Isle of Man?
Reports say King Charles III made his first official visit to the Isle of Man, a self-governing island, where he holds a distinct three-word title that has been in use for 260 years. Two royal broadcasters drew attention to the lesser-known Manx title. The exact wording of the title and the date of the visit were not given in the sources consulted.
Compiled from reporting by 11 independent outlets. How we source our reporting.
