Meghan Markle has reportedly set a single, non-negotiable condition for King Charles III to finally meet her two children, Lilibet and Archie. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to keep their children out of the public eye has raised questions and speculation about their relationship with the royal family, particularly when it comes to the younger generation of royals. But now, it seems that Meghan is willing to let the family bond with her children—but only under one very specific circumstance.
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The Stipulation: A Public Apology
According to sources close to the Sussexes, Meghan has made it clear that any potential meeting between her children and King Charles will only take place if the royal family offers a public apology for the treatment of her and Harry over the years, particularly in the wake of their exit from royal life in 2020.
This condition has reportedly been a point of contention in recent discussions between Meghan, Harry, and senior members of the royal family, as the Sussexes have made no secret of their feelings that they were unfairly treated and sometimes even betrayed by their relatives. Meghan, in particular, has been vocal about the emotional toll the royal family’s actions have had on her mental health and well-being.
"Meghan has been very clear," a source said. "She’s not going to allow her children to be used as a PR tool, and she’s not going to let them meet their royal relatives unless there’s a formal acknowledgment of how Harry and Meghan were treated. She wants an apology—something that is public and heartfelt. It’s a non-starter without it."
The Backstory: Why the Rift Runs Deep
The rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family has been well-documented, with tensions flaring in recent years over issues ranging from Meghan’s treatment by the British press to the couple’s decision to step back from their royal duties. Most notably, the Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021 revealed just how deep the divisions ran, with Harry and Meghan accusing certain members of the royal family of racism, neglect, and failures in providing support during their most challenging moments.
Meghan herself opened up about the immense emotional toll she endured during her time as a working royal, revealing that she felt isolated and unsupported, even questioning her own mental health while being ignored by palace officials. The Duke of Sussex further detailed in his memoir, "Spare", how his relationship with his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William, had deteriorated, and how their actions (or lack thereof) contributed to his decision to step away from royal life altogether.
Though King Charles has made several attempts to extend olive branches to his son and daughter-in-law—most notably inviting them to the 2023 coronation—the tension between them remains palpable. According to insiders, Meghan has always been firm that a simple greeting or off-the-record conversation isn’t enough to heal the wounds caused by years of perceived mistreatment.
A Royal Family Divided
The idea of a royal apology—especially from King Charles—has caused some friction within royal circles. While Meghan’s demand for a public statement of remorse is certainly bold, it’s not entirely unexpected. Many royal commentators have observed that, since Harry and Meghan’s departure, King Charles has struggled to balance his familial responsibilities with his role as monarch. His attempts at reconciliation have often been interpreted as lukewarm, with critics suggesting that any outreach to the Sussexes has been more about maintaining the monarchy’s image than about genuinely addressing past grievances.
"Charles wants peace in the family, but the rift runs deep," said royal expert Penny Junor. "There are those who believe that an apology from the King would be seen as a sign of weakness, and that it could embolden Harry and Meghan even more. The royal family has never been one to admit fault publicly, especially when it comes to matters of protocol or tradition."