Despite years of reported strain within the royal family, new claims suggest that King Charles is taking steps toward reconciliation — not just with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but also with their young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
According to royal sources cited in The Telegraph, the monarch has ensured that both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children, are included in sensitive long-term planning — notably, discussions surrounding his eventual funeral arrangements.
While such preparations are routine for senior royals, the inclusion of the Sussex family — especially amid tensions and physical distance from royal life — suggests a desire to mend fractured ties and re-establish unity.
Future Events That May Open Doors
Observers note that upcoming royal milestones could provide opportunities for reconnection. The 2027 Invictus Games, which are set to take place in Birmingham, and King Charles’s 80th birthday in 2028 may serve as public moments where family reconciliation could begin to unfold.
Funeral Planning: A Symbolic Gesture of Unity
Reportedly, both Prince William and Prince Harry are intended to be central figures in the king’s eventual funeral processions. The plans are said to envision the brothers walking side by side during ceremonial events in London — echoing similar moments from Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in 2022.
Moreover, Meghan and Harry may be invited to participate in the vigil during the monarch’s lying-in-state at Westminster Hall. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, may also have roles in the formal services, should the family choose to accept.
While these moments are years — if not decades — away, the planning itself reflects a quiet but meaningful attempt at inclusion.
Operation Menai Bridge to London Bridge
As is customary for all British monarchs, plans surrounding King Charles’s future funeral fall under the codename Operation London Bridge — previously known as Operation Menai Bridge during his time as Prince of Wales. These protocols follow a tightly organized series of traditions, statements, and ceremonial practices.
When the time comes, Prince William will immediately become king. However, his coronation would likely follow several months later, much like Charles’s own coronation took place eight months after Queen Elizabeth’s passing.
A New Chapter for the Royals
Should William ascend to the throne, his wife, Princess Catherine, would become queen consort, and their son, Prince George, would become heir apparent. Titles and roles across the family would shift — including that of Queen Camilla, who would likely retain her current title but take a step back from some ceremonial duties.
No Signs of Abdication
Despite the forward-looking nature of these reports, there is no indication that King Charles plans to abdicate or step away from his duties. The preparations described are standard for royal protocol, rather than any signal of ill health or imminent change.
Still, the gesture of including estranged family members in such significant plans carries weight — and may be a quiet indication of the king’s hopes for a future in which the House of Windsor is, once again, more united.