Meghan Markle Shares New Video of Archie and Lilibet — And King Charles May Not Be Too Happy
Meghan Markle and her children are gearing up for Halloween in Montecito, while across the pond, King Charles is busy tidying up the Prince Andrew mess. On October 26, the Duchess of Sussex shared a feel-good video of her pumpkin-picking with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The clip also featured Prince Harry showing off his pumpkin carving skills, joined by Markle's mother, Doria Ragland.
The video showed the family weaving through a corn maze and carving spooky designs together. The festive moment, however, will likely sting for Charles, who is unable to share such experiences with his California-based grandchildren since the Sussexes' 2020 departure. Ragland's appearance in particular must hurt, as she has always been able to be by Archie and Lilibet through their milestones. A man of traditions, the King cherishes his annual summer and Christmas gatherings at Balmoral and Sandringham, where he spends time with Prince William's three children. However, those same family rituals don't extend to Harry and Markle's little ones. Meanwhile, Ragland, who lives nearby to Harry and Markle, remains a steady presence, celebrating the Sussex kids' birthdays, being there at their births, and helping Archie and Lilibet embrace a more private life.
While Ragland prefers to stay out of the public eye, the Sussexes never fail to express their gratitude for her presence. Whenever Harry and Markle traveled for engagements, she stepped in to care for her grandchildren. Even during their time within the royal fold, Ragland flew to the UK and was reportedly the only one present for Archie's birth, later helping her daughter adjust to motherhood. She also joined the family for Lilibet's first birthday at Frogmore Cottage during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Charles, on the other hand, has met Lilibet only once, at the Jubilee, and spent less than a year with Archie before the Sussexes moved to California.
Charles's likely displeasure is only valid, as insiders paint him as a hands-on grandfather who craves time with his grandchildren. Reflecting on the same, royal expert Jennie Bond previously told The Mirror, "[Charles] always loved Harry…And I’m sure he still loves Harry and would love even more to be able to spend time with Archie and Lilibet. Charles is a sentimental man and a doting grandfather to George, Charlotte, and Louis." She continued, "I’m sure as his struggle with cancer continues, he thinks more about the great loss of not being able to spend time with Harry’s children."
However, things are likely to change soon as Harry, after his September visit, shared his interest in bringing his children to the UK. When asked by The Guardian if he would consider it, the Duke replied, "Yes, I would. This week has definitely brought that closer," referring to his reunion with Charles. Interestingly, back in May, he had pointedly told the BBC that he doesn’t "see a world in which [he] would be bringing [his] wife and children back to the UK."