King Charles Just Issued This One Message to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The new monarch explained the changes that would happen within the Royal Family.
Prince Charles is now King Charles III and the official head of the royal household, which means his decisions will have a significant impact on all family members—but especially on son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle. When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II was responsible for drawing up exactly what their new roles would be, and how they could use their titles. Now that power lies with King Charles—and this is his message to his youngest son.
In his first official speech as monarch, King Charles III explained the changes that would happen within the Royal Family—and had a very sweet message for his son Prince Harry. "I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas," King Charles says. Charles has always supported his youngest son, most notably allegedly assisting with the purchase of the Montecito, CA, mansion Harry lives in with his wife Meghan and their two children Archie and Lilibet.
With King Charles III on the throne, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children officially become His Royal Highness Prince Archie of Sussex and Her Royal Highness Princess Lilibet of Sussex. This is the result of rules made by George V in 1917, where the grandchildren of the monarch automatically receive royal titles.
As next in line to the throne, Prince William and Kate Middleton are now the Prince and Princess of Wales. "As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me," King Charles says. "He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given."
Prince Harry went to Balmoral to pay his final respects to Queen Elizabeth II—but Meghan Markle stayed behind in London, despite initial reports she would be joining him. "A source has [stated] that only Prince Harry has made the trip up to Balmoral," said royal biographer Omid Scobie. "Like the Duchess of Cambridge (who is in Windsor with their three children), the Duchess of Sussex is staying back in England (but still not attending tonight's WellChild Awards)."
King Charles' speech makes it clear his whole family must unite moving forward—there will be no favoritism or black sheep, and his loving words towards his wife Camilla are further proof of that sentiment. "This is also a time of change for my family," Charles says. "I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage seventeen years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much."
