King Charles is pressing Prince Harry to take a firmer stance when it comes to Meghan Markle if he wants to worm his way back into the royal family, sources tell RadarOnline.com.
The monarch, 77, recently shared an update on his health battle as part of Britain’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign, revealed his cancer treatment would be “reduced” in the New Year thanks to early diagnosis and medical intervention.
Health Updates and Grandparental Longing
“Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders,’ my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year,” Charles said in a TV address to the United Kingdom.
But while celebrating his own positive health news, the King remains deeply troubled by the ongoing absence of Harry’s children Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4, from his life, insiders told us.
A source close to Charles said: “This is something that affects him far more than he shows. These are his grandchildren, his own family, and he genuinely wants to spend time with them while he still can.”
The Struggle for Connection Across the Atlantic
Another insider added: “Charles is aware he can’t wait indefinitely to build a connection. He takes pride in William and Kate’s children, but it pains him that Archie and Lilibet aren’t part of his everyday life.”
Three months ago, Charles and Harry held a private meeting at Clarence House in an effort to reconcile, though sources say Meghan Markle, 44, remains firm on keeping her family based in the United States.
A source said: “Charles recognises that Meghan has her reasons for hesitating to bring the children to the U.K. and he isn’t dismissive, but he also believes his estrangement from his grandkids has dragged on too long.”
Urging Assertiveness and Cultural Heritage
“If Meghan truly wanted a family reunion, it would have happened by now. Charles isn’t in constant contact with Harry, but they do keep in touch, and he has been urging Harry to be more assertive and encourage Meghan to make it possible.”
Another insider said: “At this point in his life, Charles simply wants peace and some normalcy with his family. His love for Harry has never wavered, no matter how tense their relationship has been.”
Charles is said to be proud of Harry’s fatherhood, with one source saying: “Charles sees how proud Harry is of his children and the way his eyes light up when he talks about them.”
“Charles felt the same way when his boys were young, and he still does today, and he’s proud of Harry for being a family man.” Harry has previously said he wants his children to feel at home in Britain.
“The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the U.S.,” he’s stated.
A source said: “The King is concerned that the children might be disconnected from their heritage. As a traditionalist, he believes it’s wrong that they don’t know their family history or the country that is part of their identity.”
Seeking Reconciliation and Empathy
Despite it being nearly six years since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties, sources say Charles continues to hope for reconciliation.
One insider said: “He keeps returning to the thought that this situation doesn’t have to remain frozen if everyone is willing to ease a little. He’s no longer focused on blame. He understands that Meghan and Harry are protective, but he simply wants the children to have a relationship with their grandfather, even privately and quietly.”
Another source said: “Despite everything, Charles has always had affection for Meghan.”
“He knows the challenges she’s endured, including her father’s serious health problems, and still believes she has a good heart. He wants Harry, and by extension Meghan, to recognise that empathy and basic decency should still matter.”
King Charles’ ‘Seriously Strict’ Christmas Timetable Revealed — Complete With ‘Secret Rule’
King Charles is presiding over a Christmas at Sandringham governed by a timetable so precise even senior royals are expected to fall into line, with insiders telling RadarOnline.com it is a “seriously strict” schedule – including an unspoken rule that lateness is not tolerated.
The 77-year-old monarch and his wife Queen Camilla, 78, are preparing to host the extended royal family at Sandringham House in Norfolk for the festive period, continuing traditions that have defined the royal Christmas for decades.
Precision and Punctuality at Sandringham
Their gathering comes after a turbulent year for The Firm, marked by health concerns, family absences and heightened public scrutiny.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William, 43, and Catherine, also 43, are expected to attend with their children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
Prince Edward and Sophie will also be present with Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, alongside Princess Anne, Zara Tindall, her husband Mike Tindall and their three children.
Princesses Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, are not expected to attend to avoid embarrassing silences over their shamed parents’ Andrew Windsor and Sarah Ferguson‘s joint disgrace over their ties to sex trafficking pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan Markle, 44, will again remain in California with Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.
The Secret Rule of the Holidays
According to one palace insider, the celebrations will be far from informal – despite the royals’ need to relax after a horrific year.
They said: “Punctuality is taken as a given. The schedule allows no flexibility, and everyone understands it is not something to push. Charles’ unspoken and ‘secret’ rule of the holidays is you do not break this requirement.”
The source added formal festive proceedings begin on Christmas Eve morning, when family members arrive and submit to the long-standing tradition of being weighed on antique scales – a custom dating back to Edward VII.
Our insider added: “After the tradition is completed, there is a change into formal wear for lunch with royal staff. Even the more casual parts of the day, such as the estate walk, are carefully scheduled, and everyone must return by 5pm for tea.”
A Day of Formal Transitions
Sources close to the household say the strict structure reflects Charles’ preference for order and continuity, particularly during periods of family gatherings.
On Christmas Day itself, the schedule tightens further. Members of the public queue from early morning to see the royals attend St. Mary Magdalene Church, but the family’s day begins earlier than most realize.
A source said: “What is often missed is that the King and his family go to an earlier, private church service out of public view before appearing for the formal stroll.”
Lunch is served after the church appearance, and Charles expects “everyone to participate – whatever their appetite at that time of day,” our source said.
They added: “Unlike Queen Elizabeth, the King wears the paper hat that comes out of the cracker and expects everyone else to follow suit.”
Multiple outfit changes are required throughout the day, reinforcing the sense of formality that governs proceedings.
Comfort and Unity Amid Health Battles
This year’s Christmas carries particular emotional significance.
Catherine’s attendance marks her first festive season since announcing earlier in the year that she was in remission from cancer, while Charles has recently confirmed that his own cancer treatment is being scaled back in the new year.
A source close to the family said the news has shaped the tone of the gathering. “There is a sense that this Christmas is focused on comfort and unity,” the source said.
“The King is intent on ensuring everything proceeds without disruption, alongside an underlying feeling of quiet thankfulness – but he feels that can only be done in the framework of formality.”
EXCLUSIVE: The REAL Reason Prince William ‘Despises’ Brother Harry — And It’s All About Cash
Prince William is determined to cut off Prince Harry from any royal funds, sources tell RadarOnline.com, in a move that insiders say reflects long-simmering tensions over loyalty, legacy, and cash.
The future king, 43, has been described by our sources as “furious”; his estranged younger brother, 41, continues to benefit financially from The Firm despite stepping back from official duties in 2020.
‘William Is Livid’
According to a source close to William, the heir to the throne is adamant Harry must face “financial consequences” for turning his back on royal life.
“William is livid that Harry continues to profit from the royal family, both now and in the future, despite having walked away and publicly criticized them,” the insider told us.
“He believes that loyalty and duty must carry weight, otherwise the entire system begins to crumble.”
The source added, “This has become a definitive boundary for William. He has told those close to him that if limits aren’t set now, they never will be, and he intends to enact some heavy ones when he takes the throne. From William’s perspective, Harry needs to face the financial repercussions of leaving royal duties behind.”
Inheritance and Royal Grudges
The sibling rivalry over money has deep roots. Harry celebrated his 40th birthday in September 2024 by inheriting around $10.3million from a trust fund established by his great-grandmother, the late Queen Mother.
This adds to the roughly $12.8million he inherited from his late mother, Princess Diana.
Insiders say William feels “irked” by Harry’s “potluck,” with one saying: “He believes Harry has been critical, unhelpful, and damaging to the Royal Family.”
Now, William is determined to prevent his brother from enjoying any further financial rewards.
“William is certain the only real impact Harry will experience is financial, and he’s determined to make that happen,” a source said.
“While he may struggle to block any inheritance from Diana’s side, he believes he can influence Charles and other family members.”
Concerns Over Meghan Markle’s Influence
The insider added William’s concerns extend beyond his brother: “As upset as William is with Harry, his frustration is really directed at Meghan.
“He believes any money Harry receives will go directly to her, and that deeply concerns him. She already calls the financial shots in their household, and he sees no reason that would change with larger sums involved. He doesn’t want royal funds supporting her extravagant ambitions and lifestyle.”
The tension is heightened by worries over potential marital instability.
“William is concerned about the financial implications if Harry’s marriage were to end,” a senior palace source claimed.
“He wants to impose controls now so Meghan does not end up claiming royal money from his brother. He has no time for Harry, but he does not want to see her profit from royal funds Harry has received.”
While the Sussexes continue to face scrutiny over their media ventures, Meghan Markle has recently been slammed for her handling of her father’s health crisis.
Thomas Markle Sr., 81, underwent emergency surgery in December in the Philippines to remove a blood clot, resulting in the amputation of his left leg below the knee.
Amid backlash for not visiting his bedside, Meghan reportedly delivered a letter to her long-estranged father through “reliable and trusted contacts.”
However, insiders say the “optics are way off,” with one adding: “It’s a disgrace she thinks a letter is enough. She should be at his bedside at Christmas.”
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