A Possible State Visit in Early 2026
The 77-year-old monarch — who recently hosted US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for their second official visit to the UK — has reportedly been invited, along with Queen Camilla, to make an official state visit to the US next year.
Although Buckingham Palace has yet to formally confirm the tour, the trip is believed to be scheduled for late April, just ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
“No Detour” to California
Royal commentator Robert Jobson wrote in Hello that King Charles and Queen Camilla are “unlikely” to carve out time to see Harry and Meghan Markle, who have lived in Montecito, California, since stepping down from royal duties in 2020.
Jobson explained that the King’s visit is expected to be centered in Washington, DC, lasting “no more than four days.”
Because of the packed itinerary, he says, “There will be no detour.”
He also noted that while some insiders have floated the idea of Harry and Meghan quietly flying to the East Coast for a discreet meeting, their presence would immediately dominate headlines — overshadowing the purpose of the state visit.
“For that reason, it remains improbable,” Jobson added.
Tight Schedules Leave Little Room for Personal Time
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond shared a similar perspective. Speaking to The Mirror, she explained that state visits are “incredibly busy,” with schedules planned far in advance and filled with engagements meant to strengthen diplomatic ties.
“There is very little downtime,” she said. “I can’t think that the King would fly across the whole country to visit Harry and his family in California.”
A Grandfather Missing His Grandchildren
King Charles, who is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer, has not seen Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in three years. He has met Lilibet only once, and Archie just a few times.
But Harry’s recent solo visit to London offered a glimmer of hope. He met with his father at Clarence House for nearly an hour — a moment insiders said could help reopen the door for a future meeting between the King and his grandchildren.
“The King wants to be a grandfather to his grandchildren,” a source told the Daily Mail. “He was so pleased when they came over for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and he was able to spend some time with them.”