With King Charles facing health concerns, questions have begun to swirl about what part, if any, his younger son Prince Harry will play when the time comes for his father’s funeral.
Some have even wondered whether he would be invited at all.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020, relocating to California and creating a deep rift with the monarchy. Their candid Oprah interview and Harry’s memoir Spare only intensified tensions, painting a picture of estrangement that still lingers today.
Funeral Plans Already Underway
While reports confirm that Charles has been directly involved in shaping his own funeral arrangements — including who will be invited — this is not unusual. Royal funerals are often planned many years in advance, and the existence of preparations does not necessarily suggest the King’s death is imminent.
Harry and Meghan Likely to Attend
Despite speculation from some quarters that Harry may not be on the guest list, sources suggest the opposite. According to The Telegraph, both Harry and Meghan are not only expected to be invited but may also hold a significant role during the service. Reports indicate the couple could feature “prominently alongside the most senior royals during the funeral service.”
As part of the procession, Harry is anticipated to walk beside his brother, Prince William, who will ascend as King William after Charles’ passing. Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, are also expected to be invited to the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Hopes for Reconciliation
Such arrangements hint at Charles’s ongoing desire to heal divisions within the royal family. His inclusion of Harry and Meghan in these tentative plans suggests a wish for reconciliation, at least symbolically, at one of the monarchy’s most solemn moments.
It is important to note that Buckingham Palace has not publicly commented on the King’s funeral plans or on what role Harry will ultimately play. Until that time comes, much remains speculation.