Though King Charles may reign for many more years, the meticulous planning for his funeral is already underway. Much like Queen Elizabeth II before him, the 76-year-old monarch has been involved in designing the details of his own farewell. And in a surprising development, it’s reported that his estranged son Prince Harry—and Harry’s wife Meghan Markle—may be given prominent roles in the ceremony.
Death is a natural part of life, yet it often leaves wounds that take time to heal. For King Charles, one unresolved chapter remains his fractured relationship with Harry, a rift that has deepened since the couple’s royal exit in 2021. Harry has openly shared his feelings about the family drama, most notably in his memoir Spare and several candid interviews.
In a notable BBC interview last year, Harry revealed that his father had stopped speaking to him—a painful reality amid hopes for reconciliation. “There have been so many disagreements, differences, between me and some of my family,” Harry said. “Some members will never forgive me, including for writing a book.”
The Royal Family has remained silent on these remarks. According to sources, the royals feel deeply hurt and betrayed, with Prince William particularly affected—reportedly more wounded than anyone else by the family fallout.
King Charles is said to be heartbroken over the distance from his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. With security concerns reportedly blocking Harry and Meghan’s visits to the UK, any reunion seems unlikely for now. Meanwhile, Harry and William’s relationship remains strained, with no contact for over two years. Some speculate their next encounter could be at their father’s funeral.
However, recent reports suggest a reunion may come sooner than expected. According to The Telegraph, Prince Harry and Meghan are likely to be given prominent roles in the funeral proceedings—a possibility that may force a meeting well before the service itself.
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, plans for King Charles’ death—codenamed Operation Menai Bridge—were immediately set in motion. These detailed protocols cover every step from the moment of the monarch’s passing to the funeral and mourning periods, mirroring many royal traditions.
King Charles himself has taken an active role in planning his funeral, with a clear vision that reflects his lifelong commitments. Sources say he intends for the ceremony to incorporate eco-conscious and sustainable elements, continuing his environmental advocacy even in death.
Unlike the week-long royal mourning observed after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Charles reportedly plans for just one day of royal mourning following his funeral, aligning it with the nation’s observance.
A key element in the planning: who will stand by his side during this final farewell. And according to The Telegraph, King Charles has deliberately included Prince Harry and Meghan—not only to attend but to have significant roles during the ceremony.
Harry is expected to walk alongside William in the formal procession through London, symbolizing a public acknowledgment despite past tensions. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, are also set to participate in the family vigil during the monarch’s lying-in-state at Westminster Hall.
This gesture could be seen as a hopeful step toward healing long-standing wounds in the royal family—though whether a true reconciliation will ever occur remains to be seen.
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