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Prince Harry and Prince William remain estranged, and questions about their children’s relationship have drawn renewed attention. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are back in Britain with their parents, bringing them geographically closer to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

But they still don’t seem to see each other much. According to The Royal Observer, “Despite being first cousins, Archie and Lilibet have likely never met George, Charlotte, and Louis.” The outlet called it a “heartbreaking” result of the rift between Harry and William. 

Archie has met George, Charlotte, and Louis before. The cousins were photographed together at the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day at Billingbear Polo Club in July 2019. Lilibet’s contact with the three, however, is less clear. 

Harry and Markle stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and later moved to California with Archie. Lilibet was born there in June 2021. Royal commentator Amanda Matta told Page Six why getting all the cousins together might not be that easy. 

“Even if relations are gradually improving, the Wales household likely has a full schedule already in place for the summer, and any reunion involving the cousins would require tons of planning and goodwill from all parties involved,” she said. 

Harry and William still aren’t exactly getting along. The brothers have mostly stayed away from each other since Harry and Markle left royal duties. In his 2023 memoir, Spare, Harry called William his “beloved brother and arch-nemesis.” 

He also described the alleged physical altercation that happened between them over Markle. Even now that the Sussexes are back in Britain, there still hasn’t been a public family reunion. This year, during Harry and Markle’s five-day U.K. trip in July, both the kids got to see King Charles privately at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.

George, Charlotte, and Louis weren’t there. It marked the first time Charles had seen his youngest grandchildren in person since the Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The family’s return has also brought fresh security concerns. 

Harry and Markle first enrolled Archie and Lilibet at a British prep school. Just two days into the new term, they moved them elsewhere. The decision followed discussions with the family’s security team. Staff had concerns about the daily school run. 

According to the BBC, the couple’s spokesperson later said, “The decision for the children to move school was taken following a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements.”

The children have since started at another school. Speaking to CTV, Harry said they’re “happy in school.” He also described being back in Britain as “great.” Harry’s own security remains under review, too. RAVEC is reviewing his security after his return to Britain. Markle is also due to have her own risk assessment. 

Meanwhile, an unnamed source told HeatWorld, Markle “wants to build a life in Britain that does not depend on the approval of William and Kate.” The insider claimed she wants to “create her own network around the royals who are prepared to accept them.”

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