Queen Camilla is reportedly planning to keep her distance from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they return to the UK next month with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
After spending several years away from the UK, Harry and Meghan are preparing to go back to the country for an Invictus Games event next month.
The reported trip has allegedly sparked mixed reactions within the Royal Family, with insiders claiming Camilla is among those less than enthusiastic about the Sussexes’ return.
Queen Camilla Reportedly Plans To Avoid The Sussexes
For the first time in years, Harry and Meghan are reportedly set to return to the UK with their children this July.
The family is expected to attend the One Year to Go Invictus event in Birmingham, organized by Harry’s Invictus Games Foundation, ahead of the 2027 competition.
Among those reportedly looking forward to Harry’s return is his father, King Charles, who is said to have invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children to stay at Buckingham Palace during their visit.
However, Harry’s stepmother is reportedly less welcoming. The Times reported that Queen Camilla is expected to “stay well clear” of the Sussexes and is “unlikely to get involved” in any engagements they are a part of.
The publication also suggested Camilla could spend the period at her private Ray Mill House residence in Wiltshire to steer clear of the American-based family.
Prince Harry’s Memoir Deepened Camilla Rift
Before Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals, they appeared to have a cordial relationship with Camilla. However, things quickly soured following Harry’s bombshell comments about her in his memoir, “Spare.”
The prince described Camilla as “dangerous” and referred to her as “the villain,” claiming she pushed for her marriage to Charles, in part, to rehabilitate her public image.
In the book, Harry also alleged that Camilla had “sacrificed me on her personal PR altar,” implying she was behind leaks of some of his personal information to the press.
Prince William Unlikely To Reconcile With Harry Either
Harry’s memoir also devoted significant attention to his brother, Prince William. Although the pair once shared a close bond, their relationship has deteriorated in recent years, with the revelations in “Spare” only widening the divide.
The brothers are believed to have been out of contact for some time, and Harry’s return is not expected to provide an opportunity for reconciliation.
William is also said to be unlikely to encourage renewed contact between his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
“He won’t go anywhere near him, I believe, and he won’t let Catherine go anywhere near him,” a source said.
Will Prince Harry Accept King Charles’ Royal Invitation?
For now, it remains unclear whether Harry will accept the accommodation his father has reportedly offered during the visit.
On previous trips to the UK, King Charles is said to have offered Harry a place to stay at Buckingham Palace. However, according to PEOPLE Magazine, the Duke of Sussex declined those invitations.
The fact that the offer was made is also said to have frustrated William.
According to royal biographer Angela Levin, the heir would have likely been “horrified” by and “furious” with his father’s gesture, given the ongoing tensions between the brothers.
Prince Harry To Travel With Private Security Team
Ahead of the visit, sources have offered insight into the security arrangements expected to be in place when Harry and his family arrive in the UK, according to Page Six.
One insider claimed the Sussexes are not expected to travel by private jet. However, they will be accompanied by their own security personnel, noting, “Harry always travels with one or two members of his own security team.”
Meanwhile, the Home Office has not confirmed whether Harry will receive the same level of VIP security he enjoyed while living in the UK.
As things stand, the matter remains unresolved, leaving him in what sources have described as a “holding pattern.”