King Charles’ olive branch to Harry and Meghan in speech after Queen’s death

In his first public speech to the nation as monarch, King Charles III has addressed Harry and Meghan’s new life overseas.

King Charles III speaks of Prince Harry and Meghan during his address to the nation. Pictures: BBC; Chris Jackson/Getty Images

King Charles III has wasted no time touching on the thorny issue of the estrangement of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex mentioning the pair in his very first speech.

The new monarch spoke on Friday evening UK time from Buckingham Palace, where he also had an audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss who herself has only been in her role for four days.

Harry had spoken publicly about his strained relationship with his father and in recent days it was reported the couple had refused to join Charles at his home on the Scottish estate Birkhall.

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King Charles III speaks of Prince Harry and Meghan during his address to the nation. Picture: BBC

Charles’ ‘love’ for Meghan and Harry

In a prerecorded speech the new King confirmed his wife Camilla was now Queen Consort and Prince William and Kate were to be the new Prince and Princess of Wales.

He could have left it there, focusing only on the top rung of the new royal ladder. But Charles took the time to mention his other son and his wife. And he used the word “love” in what could be an attempt to thaw the frosty relations.

“I want to also express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas,” King Charles said.

It wasn’t much – but they were notable by their inclusion.

The Sussex children have also received new royal titles as they are one step closer to the throne.

They are now known as His Royal Highness Prince Archie of Sussex and Her Royal Highness Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

As grandchildren of King Charles, the couple’s children Archie and Lilibet now have the right to be a prince and princess, which they did not before as the Queen’s great grandchildren.

“Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”

His Majesty The King addresses the Nation and the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/xQXVW5PPQ2

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 9, 2022

Harry and Meghan left royal life in March 2020 and in an explosive interview with Oprah the following year, Harry claimed his dad had stopped taking his calls as tensions escalated over the decision to step down as working royals.

Less than a fortnight ago in an interview published by New York-based magazine The Cut, Meghan said: “Harry said to me, ‘I lost my dad in this process.’”

Prince Harry looks up at his dad Prince Charles in 1995. Picture: Johnny Eggitt / AFP

Queen Elizabeth II, 96, died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after Buckingham Palace revealed she was under medical supervision amid escalating concerns for her health.

Prince Harry rushed to be his granny’s bedside – as did William and the Queen’s four children – but sadly arrived after her death was announced to the world.

The Royal Family confirmed the Queen’s death about 6.30pm local time on Thursday (Friday, 3.30am AEST).

The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

Meghan and Kate did not travel with their husbands to Scotland to say goodbye.

Meghan and Harry have been in Europe on a tour. Picture: Joshua Sammer/Getty Images

Meghan and Harry live in California but are currently in the UK on a tour focusing on their charity ventures.

Originally published as King Charles’ olive branch to Harry and Meghan in speech after Queen’s death