King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, have kicked off a tightly scheduled U.S. visit, with engagements split between Washington, D.C., and New York City. The itinerary includes high level diplomatic meetings in the capital, followed by a polished reception in Manhattan for the King’s Trust.
Prominent names such as Anna Wintour and Martha Stewart are expected to attend. However, one thing people have noticed is that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not part of the visit. According to insiders, this was a planned decision.
Prince Harry pushing to meet King Charles in US for ‘branding,’ per source
Sources told Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice substack that “Anna and Martha made the guest list. Harry and Meghan did not.” Sources claim that behind the scenes, Harry’s team explored the possibility of arranging a private meeting with the King during the New York leg of the trip. The idea, insiders say, was to keep the meeting separate from the Washington portion of the visit. For a short time, palace aides were reportedly open to the suggestion.
According to those familiar with the discussions, the Sussexes’ recent trip to Australia, described by some as a quasi-royal tour, shifted the mood within palace circles. “That trip killed it,” one insider said, suggesting, “The palace saw the optics and pulled back fast.” While Harry is said to remain keen to see his father during the visit, sources indicate hesitation at the palace about what such a meeting would signify.
“Harry’s concern isn’t family. It’s branding,” an insider noted, adding that aides are weighing how any interaction might be perceived publicly. “Harry standing beside the King instantly looks official. One photo, one handshake, and suddenly he’s back looking tied to the Crown.” That’s exactly what Buckingham Palace wants to prevent.
“The fear is simple,” a source says. “Harry doesn’t just get a private moment with his father — he gets fresh royal legitimacy.” So while Charles and Camilla attend events in Washington and New York, Harry is being kept at a distance. “Harry still wants the meeting for all the wrong reasons. The palace wants distance.”
