Everything is changing. If you haven’t been glued to the palace bulletins this week, you’ve missed a massive shift in the Windsor-Sussex cold war. Honestly, it’s a lot to process. We are seeing a King who is both fighting a health battle and trying to play peacemaker, while Meghan Markle is basically reinventing what it means to be a "Californian business elite."
The latest updates are wild. Between a surprise property offer and a high-stakes return to London, the royal family is moving into a 2026 that looks nothing like the last three years of silence.
The Highgrove Invitation: A New Base for the Sussexes?
The big story right now is Highgrove House. King Charles has reportedly offered Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the use of his personal country home for their next U.K. visit. That’s huge. Ever since they were asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage in 2023, the couple hasn't had a "home" on British soil. Staying at a hotel or a friend’s place just isn’t the same, especially with two kids in tow.
Charles is 77 now. He’s dealing with cancer treatment—which, by the way, the Palace says is being "reduced" because he’s responding so well. But being sick changes a person. It makes you think about legacy and family. Highgrove is his sanctuary; offering it up is a massive olive branch. It’s located about 76 miles from Birmingham, which is perfect because the 2027 Invictus Games preparations are already kicking off there.
There's a catch, though. Security is still the elephant in the room. Harry has been fighting in the High Court for taxpayer-funded protection. Word is, he might actually win this time. A new risk assessment by RAVEC (the government body in charge of security) reportedly suggests he now meets the standards for protection again. If that happens, Meghan’s biggest reason for staying away from England basically evaporates.
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Meghan Markle and the "As Ever" Phenomenon
While the King is in Scotland at Birkhall, Meghan is busy building an empire. She’s not just "Prince Harry’s wife" anymore—she’s the founder of a lifestyle brand called As Ever.
You might have heard about the "technical glitch" last week. Basically, a bug on her website briefly showed stock levels for her signature fruit spread. Internet sleuths went crazy. Based on those numbers, experts are estimating she’s already moved roughly £26.7 million worth of product. That is not "hobby" money. That is serious, A-list business mogul money.
Earlier this month, Meghan made her first joint appearance of the year with Harry on a video call about phone-based childhoods. She looked every bit the success story, wearing a $18,700 Cartier necklace. People are calling it her "power move" era. She’s also reportedly re-hired the Hollywood PR giant Sunshine Sachs to manage her brand’s expansion.
What about the divorce rumors?
Look, people love to talk. Earlier this month, some tabloids were screaming about a "2026 divorce" because Harry is homesick and Meghan isn't. But then Meghan dropped a rare 2016 throwback photo of the two of them in Botswana. The caption? "When 2026 feels just like 2016… you had to be there." It was a total mic-drop moment. It basically told the world they are as tight as ever, even if their professional lives are moving in different directions.
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King Charles and the Busy Diary
It’s not all hugs and tea, though. Harry is actually in London right now for his court case against Associated Newspapers. But don't expect a royal reunion at the palace.
Charles is currently in Scotland. Even though he’s returning to London for treatment on Tuesday, the word from the Palace is that he’s "too busy" to see his son. It’s a classic royal move: offer a house for the future, but don't clear the schedule for today.
- Charles is focused on the Scotland Investment Forum at Holyroodhouse.
- William and Kate are also in Scotland this week (Stirling and Falkirk).
- Nobody has actually requested a formal meeting.
It’s a weird middle ground. The King is opening the door, but he’s not standing in the hallway waiting to say hello just yet.
Why 2026 is the Turning Point
For the first time since 2022, there is a real path for Meghan Markle to return to the U.K. this summer. If she comes back, she isn't coming back as a "working royal" who has to follow a script. She’s coming back as a CEO.
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Royal commentator Shane Watson recently mentioned that William and Kate might need to "assume the brace position." Why? Because the "Sussex show" is now backed by massive commercial success. The dynamic has shifted from a family feud to a competition of influence.
What you should keep an eye on next:
- The Security Ruling: If Harry gets his police protection back, expect an official announcement about Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet visiting for the Invictus countdown.
- Highgrove Stay: Watch for "leaks" about whether the couple actually accepts the King's offer to stay at his country estate.
- As Ever Expansion: Meghan is expected to drop more products—likely home goods or more stationery—which will further cement her independent financial power.
The rift isn't healed, but it is evolving. We’re moving away from the era of "tell-all" books and into an era of "quiet diplomacy" and business empires. Whether that leads to a real family hug or just a polite co-existence remains to be seen.
To get the full picture, you’ll want to track the official court rulings on Harry's security status over the next month. That’s the real domino that has to fall before any of these olive branches turn into an actual homecoming.