Prince Charles is reportedly extending a huge olive branch toward Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but it's unclear if they'll take it.
The couple has been trying to determine the logistics of going to the United Kingdom for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee this spring. The issue at hand is security costs. Taxpayers will no longer foot the bill for security despite the couple's high profile. That cost will likely be even higher if the couple bring their two children, 7-month-old Lilibet Diana and 2½-year-old Archie Harrison. Prince Harry has offered to pay for police protection himself, but that also seems a complicated route.
Charles is looking to make matters a little easier by offering his home to Harry and Meghan for their stay.
Prince Charles wants to mend the rift between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family. Harry has made it clear he cannot return to the UK without a plan for police protection for him and his family. He is in the midst of a legal battle that would allow him to pay for the security service for his family personally, so as not to burden taxpayers.
Charles wants desperately to make things work and for the opportunity to get to know his grandchildren, according to sources.
"The Prince of Wales has been saddened that he hasn't had the opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, which he really does miss," the source told The Mirror.
"He is a fantastic grandfather and loves playing the role immensely and it's certainly fair to say he feels there is something missing from his life without the ability to get to know Harry's children."
To try to make matters easier — and likely cheaper — Charles has offered for Harry, Meghan, and the children to stay with him at Clarence House.
"This is something he is hoping to remedy which is why he made the gesture for Harry, Meghan and the children to stay with him if they wanted to, whenever they may come home for a period of time," the source said.
"In the meantime there has been a series of good natured and enjoyable calls between them all which is something the prince very much looks forward to."
It remains unclear if Harry and Meghan can and will take him up on the offer. The relationship between father and son has been strained, and that's without taking into consideration the rest of the family.
"The Prince of Wales has spoken to his son frequently in recent months," the source shared.
"He loves him very much, as he does both his children, and he looks forward to them being able to spend time together in the near future."
Another source confirmed to The Sun that things between father and son appear to be improving, though only time will tell.
"There has been a definite thaw in relations between Harry and Charles. They are on much better terms and have been having friendly chats and video calls," she said.
"It has been suggested to Harry he may live to regret any lingering family bitterness, and he has taken that on board. There is a feeling he is coming back more into the fold and wants to be closer to his family."
For Harry, as a statement from his spokesperson noted regarding Harry's lawsuit for police protection, it's important for his kids to have a relationship with his family and background in the UK, as well as their lives in the US.
"The UK will always be Prince Harry's home and a country he wants his wife and children to be safe in. With the lack of police protection comes too great a personal risk."
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
