Harry and Meghan to play key roles in King Charles' funeral despite Royal tensions

Time of India

3 days ago

Despite royal tensions, King Charles is making a powerful gesture by including Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children in his own funeral plans. Behind the palace walls, quiet efforts toward reconciliation are taking place. It's a sign that the King values family bonds more than past divisions.
Despite past disagreements, the monarch envisions them playing important roles in his state funeral, aiming for a final act of unity and healing within the royal family. Insiders say the British monarch's cancer is incurable, despite the fact that his health is not officially critical.
King Charles and Prince Harry's reconciliation talks have been steadily gaining traction, with Harry's side of the story largely coming to light. In contrast, royal aides have chosen not to directly address the rift, and Buckingham Palace has mostly remained silent, as per a report by The Telegraph.
Are Harry and Meghan really part of the plans?
King Charles reportedly wants to get back in touch with Harry, Meghan Markle, and their kids.
Live Events
The Telegraph claims that King Charles has deliberately tried to include Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Harry, and their kids, Princess Lilibet, age 3, and Prince Archie, age 6, in his long-term funeral plans. The Sussex family is regarded as essential to these plans, according to sources. William, Harry's brother, is supposed to accompany Harry in the official processions through London.
ALSO READ:
Dear Mr Japan? Trump's tariff letter opener sparks mockery and memes on social media
What roles will Archie and Lilibet have?
He and Meghan will be given "prominent roles" at the funeral at Westminster Abbey and invited to take part in the family vigil at Westminster Hall during the monarch's lying-in-state.
If
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
decide to attend, arrangements have also been made to guarantee their inclusion in both the Abbey service and the committal ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, as per a report by Blast.
What changes has King Charles made to the royal funeral?
With a shorter mourning period and updated customs, King Charles organizes an environmentally conscious funeral. There is no sign that the King's health is a problem or that his reign is coming to an end, but funerals and other important royal ceremonies are usually planned years in advance.
Senior royal aides, security officials, military chiefs, and church representatives are all consulted in-depth as these plans are developed and improved over time.
The protocol set up under Operation London Bridge, the same code name used for earlier monarchs, will be followed for the King's funeral. King Charles has, nevertheless, changed a few things to better suit his own values and views.
Notably, his strong support of environmental causes will be recognized by incorporating sustainable, eco-friendly elements into the ceremony whenever feasible.
In private, King Charles is also rumored to hope for a new relationship with his second son and possibly a deep relationship with his grandchildren in California.
The Sussexes' inclusion in the plans will be a talking point because it will prevent further strained relations with the couple by involving them in both behind-the-scenes briefings and rehearsals as well as public ceremonial elements.
In order to ensure that his last public act brings his family together, the King approved plans that put the Sussexes at the center of his funeral. They would be automatically included in the official security operation for such a state occasion, even though the Duke has vowed never to bring his family back to the UK unless he can ensure complete police protection, as per a report by The Telegraph.
The King's grandchildren are relatively young, so the family vigil after his funeral is probably going to look a little different.
FAQs
Why are Harry and Meghan included in the King's funeral arrangements?
King Charles reportedly hopes to mend the royal schism by giving his youngest son and family prominent roles as a show of unity and reconciliation.
Will Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet attend the ceremony?
Yes, arrangements are in place for both children to attend the funeral and committal services, subject to their parents' wishes and the children's readiness.