Harry and Meghan's Sandringham appearance with William and Catherine in doubt

Dorothy Reddin Sun, August 23, 2026 at 10:57 AM UTC

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex | Source: GETTY

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not receive automatic invitations to Royal Family occasions such as Christmas at Sandringham or the annual Balmoral holiday, despite their imminent return to Britain, sources have claimed.

Prince Harry, Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are anticipated to arrive in the UK before the end of this month, with both children due to begin at a British school next month.

Yet their presence on home soil might not entitle them to a place at family gatherings. Every such occasion requires a personal invitation extended by the King, a convention that applies to all members of the Royal Family.

The couple are unlikely to join this year's Balmoral gathering given the practical demands of their relocation, though sources say the possibility has not been entirely dismissed.

Palace sources have characterised the arrangement as one the Sussexes themselves "signed up to" during the reign of Elizabeth II, according to the Telegraph.

Both the King and the Prince of Wales are understood to be in agreement that the late Queen's wishes on this matter should be upheld.

The convention dictates that non-working royals cannot operate on a "half-in, half-out" basis, and sources say the King intends to maintain this principle.

While the King has previously stressed that Harry, Meghan and their children will always belong to the family, Palace sources indicated to GB News that he was eager to spend time with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in a private and personal capacity.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, Meghan and Prince Harry | Source: PA

One source told the Telegraph it was "way too early" to confirm whether the Sussexes would feature at any public family events.

The Royal Family is currently gathered at the King and Queen's Scottish estate for their annual summer holiday.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children arrived midweek, joined by the Edinburghs, the Tindalls, the Phillipses, the Princess Royal and Sir Timothy Laurence, as well as Queen Camilla's sister and her children and grandchildren from the Parker-Bowles side.

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Sources have firmly rejected suggestions that a so-called "Balmoral Summit" is taking place to discuss the Sussexes' return, insisting the gathering is the customary family holiday and barbecue held every year.

Each branch of the family coordinates with the King's office to confirm attendance at private occasions and synchronise schedules. Family members were spotted riding on Saturday, while the King was seen driving towards nearby Braemar accompanied by a protection officer.

Buckingham Palace only learned of the Sussexes' plans last Sunday.

The duke is said to be hopeful that the King will agree to open the Invictus Games next year, demonstrating support for his charitable work with military veterans.

The question of taxpayer-funded security for the family remains unresolved. Senior Labour figures have backed the case for protection, with Dame Emily Thornberry stating: "I would want to be reassured that his family are going to be safe. They deserve to be secure."

Dawn Butler, a former minister under Gordon Brown, argued that Harry's military service, identifiable security threats, Royal Family membership and the sustained racial abuse directed at the family should all be weighed in any assessment.

Should the couple receive invitations to private family occasions, it would mark the first time Princess Lilibet, born in California, has encountered the traditions of royal life firsthand. Her older brother Archie accompanied his parents on a single royal tour while they were still working members of the institution but departed Britain before turning one.

The Sussexes intend to keep their children out of public view and are expected to continue shielding their faces in any photographs.

It remains unclear how the family will split their time between Britain, the United States and Portugal, where they hold property.

The duchess remains close to her mother, Doria Ragland, who is based in California, though the couple have limited contact with her father, Thomas Markle.

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