It feels like a lifetime ago. Back in the summer of 2022, the United Kingdom was basically one giant street party. Union Jacks were everywhere, people were drinking Pimm’s like it was water, and the Queen was celebrating 70 years on the throne. But for a specific corner of the internet and the royal-watching world, the real story wasn't the gold carriage or the flyovers. It was about a one-year-old girl who had never set foot on British soil.
The Lilibet UK visit June 2022 was a massive deal. Seriously. It was the first—and so far, only—time the daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited her father's homeland.
People were obsessed. Would there be a photo? Would the cousins play together? Would the rift finally heal? Looking back from 2026, those few days in June feel like a strange, quiet window into a family dynamic that’s only gotten more complicated since.
The Quiet Arrival and the Big Meeting
Harry and Meghan didn't fly commercial for this one. They arrived via private jet at Farnborough Airport on June 1, 2022. They weren't looking for a spectacle. They were whisked away to Frogmore Cottage, which was still their UK base at the time.
The highlight, of course, was the meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.
It happened on Thursday, June 2, right after the Trooping the Colour ceremony. While the "working royals" stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, Harry and Meghan watched from the Major General's Office. Afterward, they drove to Windsor.
That Famous (Non-Existent) Photo
Everyone wanted to see the "two Lilibets" together. The Queen and her namesake.
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But there is no photo. Well, there might be one in a private album, but the public never saw it. Reports from insiders like The Sun and later confirmed by various royal biographers suggest that Harry and Meghan actually asked for a professional photographer to capture the moment. They were told "no chance." The Palace was reportedly worried the photos would be leaked to US television networks. It was kept as a "private family meeting."
In his memoir Spare, Harry describes the encounter with a sort of bittersweet tenderness. He mentions Archie making "deep bows" and Lilibet "cuddling the monarch's shins." The Queen apparently found them "sweet" but was surprised they weren't "more American"—by which she meant rambunctious.
The meeting was short. Maybe 15 minutes. The Queen was 96 and struggling with "episodic mobility issues," so she had to save her energy for the Jubilee events.
The First Birthday at Frogmore Cottage
Saturday, June 4, 2022, was Lilibet’s first birthday. While the rest of the country was watching the Platinum Party at the Palace, a much quieter event was happening in the gardens of Frogmore.
It wasn't some flashy celebrity gala. It was a backyard picnic.
- The Cake: Claire Ptak, the same baker who did Harry and Meghan’s wedding cake, made a lemon elderflower creation.
- The Guests: Zara and Mike Tindall’s kids (Mia, Lena, and Lucas) were there. So were Peter Phillips’ daughters, Savannah and Isla.
- The Entertainment: No clowns or bouncy castles. Just face painting and a casual vibe.
- The Famous Portrait: This is where Misan Harriman took that now-iconic photo of Lilibet in a blue dress, sitting on the grass.
One thing people always ask: Were William and Kate there?
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Nope. They were in Wales for Jubilee duties. It’s been a point of contention for years—was it a snub or just bad timing? Honestly, royal schedules are set months in advance, but the optics weren't great for the "Fab Four" fans.
Why the June 2022 Visit Matters Now
It’s easy to dismiss this as old gossip, but the Lilibet UK visit June 2022 is actually a huge turning point in the ongoing security saga.
Right now, in early 2026, Prince Harry is still locked in legal battles over police protection. He’s explicitly stated that he doesn’t feel safe bringing his family back to the UK without armed security. That 2022 trip was the last time the Sussex children were in the country.
King Charles hasn't seen his grandchildren in person for nearly four years.
The Security Factor
During that 2022 trip, the family was protected by the RAVEC (Royal and VIP Executive Committee) because it was an official royal event. Since they are no longer working royals, they don't get that automatic "staying alive" level of security for private visits.
This visit proved they could come back, but only under very specific, highly controlled circumstances.
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A Summary of the Tense Weekend
The Sussexes only made one official public appearance: the Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral on June 3.
They were cheered by some, booed by others. They sat on the opposite side of the aisle from William and Kate. They didn't even stay for the whole Jubilee. By Sunday, while the pageant was still winding through the streets of London, they were already back at the airport, heading for Santa Barbara.
They didn't stay for the final balcony appearance. They didn't do any big interviews. They just... left.
Actionable Takeaways for Royal Watchers
If you're trying to understand the current state of the Royal Family, you have to look at the 2022 visit as the "last hurrah."
- Check the Security Rulings: If you want to know when Lilibet might return, watch the UK Home Office court cases. As of 2026, any change in Harry's security status is the only thing that will trigger another visit.
- Verify the Sources: Be wary of "new" photos of Lilibet. Most "leaks" are actually AI-generated or old shots from the 2022 picnic.
- Monitor Official Events: The Invictus Games coming to Birmingham is the next major window where a family visit is even remotely possible.
The June 2022 trip was a moment of hope for many who wanted to see the family reunited. Instead, it became a footnote in a long-running separation. It was a weekend of private milestones masked by public pageantry, and for Lilibet Diana, it remains her only physical connection to her royal heritage so far.
To stay truly informed, follow the official legal summaries from the UK Courts regarding the "Duke of Sussex vs. Home Office" to understand the logistics of any future travel.