As public interest in the British Royal Family continues to grow, so does the spread of speculation and misinformation, particularly surrounding the relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the royal household. One recent viral claim suggested that Meghan Markle had returned to the United Kingdom with Prince Harry to celebrate King Charles III’s birthday, reportedly embracing the monarch and addressing him affectionately as “Dad.” However, this narrative, widely circulated by some online platforms, is not supported by any reputable or verified sources.
As of May 2025, there is no official confirmation or credible reporting from BBC News, Sky News, The Guardian, or Royal.uk indicating that Meghan Markle has traveled to the UK to participate in any royal events, including King Charles’s recent birthday celebration.
Clarifying the Facts: Meghan Markle’s Travel History
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has largely remained in the United States since stepping back from royal duties in early 2020 alongside Prince Harry. The couple currently resides in Montecito, California, where they focus on philanthropic initiatives, content production through Archewell Productions, and raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Prince Harry, however, has made several solo trips to the UK over the past few years. He attended key events such as the funeral of Prince Philip in 2021, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, her funeral in September 2022, and King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023. These visits were brief, and Meghan was not present for the coronation or the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, citing concerns about privacy and media scrutiny.
According to Reuters and The Times, Meghan’s decision not to travel with Prince Harry to these events was made to prioritize family privacy and avoid media intrusion, particularly regarding their children.
No Confirmed Reunion for King Charles’s Birthday
King Charles III turned 76 years old on November 14, 2024. While the Royal Family typically celebrates such occasions privately, public recognition often includes a post on Royal.uk, and sometimes public appearances or charity-related engagements. As of current reporting by The Telegraph and BBC News, there was no indication that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended or were invited to a public celebration or private family gathering related to this birthday.
The claim that Meghan embraced King Charles emotionally and referred to him as “Dad” is not substantiated by any official royal communication or interviews with the involved parties. No such moment has been documented by verified journalists, and Buckingham Palace has not issued any statements corroborating this account.
Prince Harry’s Current Relationship with the Royal Family
Prince Harry has publicly addressed his relationship with the Royal Family in interviews and his 2023 memoir, Spare, which revealed personal tensions, particularly with his brother Prince William and father King Charles. However, in more recent media appearances, Harry has expressed a desire for healing and reconciliation.
In a 2023 interview with Good Morning America, Prince Harry stated:
“I love my family. I’ve always loved my family. I want a relationship with my father. I want a relationship with my brother.”
While the family has not openly commented on these remarks, coverage from Sky News and The Guardian suggests there has been limited communication between Harry and other senior royals, mostly in private and reportedly cordial but not close.
Meghan Markle’s Public Life in the U.S.
Meghan Markle continues to focus on media production, mental health advocacy, and women’s empowerment through the couple’s Archewell Foundation. In 2024, she launched a new podcast series centered on female leadership, and the couple continues to partner with organizations such as World Central Kitchen, BetterUp, and Smart Works.
Her absence from UK royal events does not suggest hostility but rather a clear shift in priorities following their departure from royal duties, a move officially recognized by Buckingham Palace in January 2020.
The Reality of Royal Birthdays and Family Dynamics
Royal birthdays, especially for reigning monarchs, are usually marked by Trooping the Colour, an annual public event held in June regardless of the King’s actual birth date in November. King Charles III participated in the ceremony in 2023 and 2024, accompanied by Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and other working royals. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not attended these events since stepping down from official roles.
According to Royal.uk, only working royals typically appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the event. This explains the Sussexes’ absence from the ceremony and reinforces the separation between active royal duties and private lives.
The Dangers of Misinformation
The viral nature of claims like Meghan’s “emotional embrace” with King Charles demonstrates the broader issue of digital misinformation, particularly in the age of AI-generated headlines and unregulated social media platforms. As Reuters Fact Check and Full Fact UK have frequently warned, consumers must verify such stories using reliable sources before accepting or sharing them.
These fabricated or exaggerated narratives not only mislead the public but can also exacerbate tensions between family members and the press, potentially affecting ongoing efforts to repair relationships.
How to Stay Informed on Royal Affairs
For those interested in following developments within the Royal Family, the following sources provide accurate, balanced, and verified coverage:
- BBC Royal Family Coverage
- The Guardian – Monarchy News
- Royal.uk – Official Royal Family Announcements
- Sky News – Royal Reporting
- Reuters – UK Royals
These outlets adhere to journalistic standards, verify sources, and are frequently cited in international coverage of the British monarchy.
Conclusion
As of May 2025, there is no verified evidence that Meghan Markle has returned to the UK to celebrate King Charles III’s birthday or that she shared an emotional moment with the monarch. Prince Harry continues to maintain selective contact with the Royal Family, primarily for significant occasions and personal matters.
While public interest in a possible reunion remains strong, any future interactions between the Sussexes and the Royal Family should be understood in the context of privacy, diplomacy, and evolving roles—not speculation or sensational headlines.
