Reports have surfaced indicating that King Charles has officially declined an invitation to attend Princess Lilibet’s upcoming third birthday celebration in California.
Sources close to Buckingham Palace have revealed that Charles has explicitly stated that he only recognizes Prince William and Kate’s three children as his official grandchildren.
This decision by the king has further strained the already delicate relations between the royal family in the UK and the Sussexes residing in Montecito.
The rift between the two factions can be traced back to Harry and Meghan’s departure from their senior royal roles in early 2020, relocating to California.
The couple has been vocal in criticizing certain aspects of the royal institution and their treatment by certain unnamed family members.
This open dissent has not been well-received by the monarchy, which values a code of silence and discretion.
Their revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey last year escalated tensions, with Meghan alleging concerns over Archie’s skin color and her struggles with mental health support within the family.
Despite initial attempts at reconciliation, notably by the Queen who emphasized duty and family unity, the passing of the Queen has shifted the dynamics within the royal household.
With Charles now assuming the throne, he appears determined to take a stricter stance, particularly regarding the titles and privileges granted to Harry and Meghan following their royal exit.
This includes denying their children, Archie and Lilibet, the HRH titles traditionally bestowed upon grandchildren of the sovereign.
In light of these developments, Charles’s decision to skip Lilibet’s birthday party and recognize only William’s children as his grandchildren is seen as a strategic power move by the new king.
This move underscores his vision for a more streamlined and cost-effective monarchy, signaling tighter controls over royal duties, titles, and privileges in the wake of the Sussexes’ public disengagement.
While some view Charles’s actions as necessary for modernizing the monarchy, others close to Harry believe it will only alienate the couple further, discouraging any future involvement in royal affairs.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes expressed disappointment at the king’s continued disregard for Harry and his family, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to service.
The decision not to attend Lilibet’s birthday, a significant milestone for any parent, is seen as a symbolic snub that disregards the importance of family connections.
Critics argue that Charles may fail to grasp the deep-seated pain stemming from Harry’s childhood experiences, particularly his sense of abandonment after Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997.
By distancing himself from Lilibet and Archie, Charles reinforces the notion that they will perpetually remain on the fringes of his vision for the monarchy’s future, potentially exacerbating existing wounds and divisions within the royal family.