Prince Harry recently attended the WellChild Awards in the UK, albeit keeping the location a secret for safety reasons. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, remained in the US. However, it seems that the Sussexes won’t bring their children to the UK until they receive the desired police protection.
At present, Archie and Lilibet are unaware of their royal heritage and the ongoing feud between their parents and the British monarchy. Moreover, they have limited contact with their royal cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Sadly, it appears unlikely that they will develop any relationships or get to know their relatives anytime soon.
Protection and security concerns are the primary reasons for Harry’s hesitation in bringing his family to the UK. While freedom awaits Archie and Lilibet when they turn 18, the continuing feud with the Royal Family makes it uncertain if they will ever have the chance to see their relatives.
Furthermore, a royal expert suggests a gloomy future for Archie and Lilibet in the UK. Their life in the US is vastly different from what they might have experienced in the royal setting. While California offers better weather, the absence of daily paparazzi scrutiny is undoubtedly the most significant advantage.
Protecting Their Privacy
Harry and Meghan strive to shield their children from the public eye as much as possible within the confines of their highly secure mansion. However, due to their public lives in the US, the press inevitably discusses their children to some extent. Notably, Harry and Meghan featured their children in a Netflix series released two years ago, making Archie and Lilibet household names to an extent.
Since moving to the US, Harry and Meghan have made a conscious choice to provide their children with as normal a childhood as feasible. According to an anonymous friend of the Sussexes, this decision stems from Harry’s struggles to obtain adequate security arrangements in the UK.
The source explains, “Every parent wants to share their kid with the world, but they just can’t. William’s kids have more safety, even though they’re recognizable. The same doesn’t apply to Meghan and Harry’s children. They know the world wants to see [them], but I would expect them to live smaller lives until that gets sorted, if it ever does.”
Harry’s concerns about safety and privacy are evident. He wants his children to have as normal a life as possible, free from the fear of harm or kidnapping. As a dedicated father and husband, he is determined to avoid repeating history. These topics will be discussed with Archie and Lilibet in due time, regarding their royal heritage, but for now, visiting the UK is not an option.
Future Choices
While Harry and Meghan can dictate their children’s lives until they turn 18, there is little they can do afterward. The Sussexes reportedly have a plan in place for Archie and Lilibet. Once they come of age, they will have the freedom to choose their own path, unrestricted by royal duties.
A source revealed, “There’s a conscious effort to keep the children out of the public eye as much as possible until they reach the age of 18 so they can form their own opinions and personalities. It will be about what they want to do and what they choose to support. They will be like the cool cousins abroad, while the Wales children will be more about duty and formality.”
Undoubtedly, Archie and Lilibet have missed out on forming relationships with their grandfather, King Charles, and their royal cousins. The decision not to visit the UK has drawn criticism from several royal experts, including Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle.
Archie and Lilibet will inevitably realize what they have missed out on as they grow older. They will be aware of the feud between their parents and the Royal Family. It remains to be seen if Harry and Meghan’s children will ever have the chance to meet their relatives in the UK.
Meghan’s Influence
According to royal expert Hugo Vickers, it is Meghan—rather than Harry—who has made the decision to keep Archie and Lilibet away from the Royal Family. Vickers speculates that Meghan wants to maintain control and raise their children as Americans, away from anything royal.
Although California provides an enjoyable environment for their upbringing, Vickers emphasizes that there will come a point when Archie and Lilibet realize their status as cousins in the British Royal Family. This realization may trigger feelings of disappointment, considering the missed opportunities for connection and family involvement.
Vickers concludes that it is up to Prince Harry to make the effort. If he desires his children to meet their family in the UK, he should take the initiative to bring them across. However, there seems to be reluctance regarding such a visit.
Uncertain Future
On Harry’s recent visit to the UK, his wife and children did not accompany him. Royal expert Charles Rae suggests that Meghan may have no intention of returning to the UK, and the same applies to Archie and Lilibet.
Rae points out that Meghan had numerous opportunities to accompany her husband on previous visits, yet she opted not to do so. Her most recent visit to the UK was for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. Rae acknowledges it as a great pity that Meghan has chosen to stay in California and doesn’t believe she will ever come back with her children.
Secure Future for Archie and Lilibet
Despite the ongoing controversy, it seems the Sussex children will have a secure and prosperous future. Prince Harry received a substantial amount of money from a family trust fund set up by the late Queen Mother and intends to save it for his children. They will inherit this fortune when they’re older, ensuring financial stability in their lives.
The decision made by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to keep their children away from the UK is a contentious one. However, it aligns with their desire to provide Archie and Lilibet with a sense of normalcy, privacy, and safety. Ultimately, they believe it’s the right approach for their family.
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