Harry and Meghan settle in Cotswolds but have not met King Charles in person
Six weeks after relocating to England's Cotswolds, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not yet seen King Charles, who is on a Scottish retreat, while the couple adjusts to life in the UK.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been living in the Cotswolds for six weeks following their move from California, but they have not yet met King Charles in person, according to royal sources. The king and Queen Camilla are currently on a break in Scotland and are expected to travel to the Caribbean later this month, which may delay any face-to-face encounter.
Harry has reportedly spoken with his father by phone, and insiders say there is hope for a closer, more private relationship between them, though frequent media leaks complicate matters. Tensions have been heightened by the recent publication of Charles Spencer’s biography of Princess Diana, which the royal household has denied contains false statements about the king.
The Sussexes are said to be in a “honeymoon” phase with their new routine, focusing on their children’s schooling and upcoming projects, including a documentary on Princess Diana’s 30th-anniversary death and the 2025 Invictus Games in Birmingham. They plan to remain in the UK for the school year, while retaining residences in California and Portugal.
The couple is expected to make their first official public appearance together in the UK soon, after being photographed at a local pub in the Cotswolds. Meghan was also seen having afternoon tea with activist Malala Yousafzai in London, a friendship that dates back to a 2020 virtual event on girls’ education.
Sources indicate the Sussexes will not join the royal family for the traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham, opting instead to stay at their current cottage or return to California for the holidays, where they will be joined by Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.
"Absolutely, everyone hopes that father and son can have a closer — more private — relationship," said a royal insider.
"The fact that Harry was just with his uncle in the summer makes it seem that he has a good relationship with him — and the King is furious about the book," another source added.