King Charles III reportedly wants to see his California grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet more. However, a commentator doesn’t think it’s a good idea because spending time with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s kids, however much he may want to, would likely become a “circus” for the British royal family. 

Charles wants to be part of Archie and Lilibet’s lives

King Charles is ready to “make up for lost time” with Archie and Lili, a source told The Mirror. The 75-year-old is “absolutely committed to being present in all of his grandchildren’s lives.” 

“He values family above everything,” the insider said. “And whatever the course of his relationship with his son [Harry], he would never be content with just seeing his grandchildren on the odd video call.” 

King Charles has five grandchildren. There are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s kids: Archie, 5, and Lili, 3. Then there are Prince William and Kate Middleton’s own: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. 

The Sussex family relocated to Montecito, California, in 2020. Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales reside in Windsor, England. 

It’s previously been reported the Duke and Duchess of Sussex agree with King Charles that Archie and Lili should see their paternal grandfather more. While it’s going to take some time before the Sussexes visit England, the king is said to be compensating with the Wales kids.

According to commentator Amanda Platell, however much King Charles may want time together with Archie and Lili, it would likely mean a “whole host of problems.” 

“One can only imagine the unholy circus,” she wrote in the Daily Mail. “If they brought the grandkids here to see the King, would Meghan have her Netflix crew in tow filming every moment?” 

Platell continued: “Would she bring Grandpa Charles her new [American Rivieria Orchard] homemade jams she’s flogging, then post the pictures on Instagram? Would details of the time they and their children spent with the King be sold off to the highest bidder?” 

Noting Harry gave an interview after visiting his father in February 2024, the commentator argued King Charles “should be grateful for what he has.” 

That is, “the love of a devoted son, daughter-in-law and their three children” in the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.

At the same time, he should be “wary of what he naturally wishes for in his desire to see his Californian grandchildren.”

The king hasn’t seen Lili and Archie in person since 2022

Archie and Lili’s last visit with King Charles happened in June 2022. The Sussex family traveled to England for Platinum Jubilee Weekend. Meaning two years have passed since he’s seen the two young royals (and their mom, Meghan). 

At the time, a source said it had been a “very emotional” first meeting for the king and his granddaughter, who was born in California a year earlier (via BBC). It was also “very, very special” for King Charles to spend time with Archie.