Inside King Charles’ funeral plans: How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s unexpected roles could reshape royal family dynamics amid ongoing tensions.
The Sussexes’ children could also be involved
King Charles is involving Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children in his funeral plans, it’s been claimed.
The king, 76, reportedly hopes that he will be able to reconcile with his younger son and build a relationship with his grandchildren Prince Archie, six, and three-year-old Princess Lilibet.
Among the opportunities to do so in the more immediate future would be the Invictus Games in 2027, due to take place in Birmingham, and the king’s 80th birthday celebrations a year later.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry remain estranged from the royal family (Credit: Cover Images)
King Charles’ funeral plans to ‘involve’ Harry and Meghan
The Telegraph has reported that Charles wants both Harry, 40, and Prince William, 43, right at the centre of the plans for his funeral.
The publication claims that the Sussexes remain “enveloped” in the king’s funeral plans at the “highest level”.
The brothers are expected to walk side by side at the head of the processions through central London. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan, 43, will likely be invited to take part in the family vigil during Charles’ lying-in-state at Westminster Hall, and play a “prominent role” during the service, too.
There have also been arrangements for Archie and Lilibet to attend the funeral service and the committal if they should wish to.
Royal Insider has approached Buckingham Palace for comment.
What will the king’s funeral look like?
Charles’ funeral plans, now under the codename Operation London Bridge as for all monarchs, have been discussed for years. But there’s no suggestion that he won’t continue to reign as king for a long time.
Before he became king, they were under the codename Operation Menai Bridge, but they were upgraded when he ascended the throne.
When the time does come, it’s expected that his plans will be very similar to those of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8, 2022. Her state funeral was held 11 days later, on September 19.
Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral (Credit: Cover Images)
Immediate family would be informed first, followed by the Prime Minister. The news would then be shared across the Commonwealth, while there would be an official statement from Buckingham Palace, too. A notice would be pinned to the gates of the palace, with flags across the country being lowered to half-mast.
Prince William, as well as leading the procession with his brother per reports, will immediately ascend to the throne following his father’s death. However, his coronation would probably come months later – his father was coronated eight months after the queen died.
William would also likely give an address or statement to the UK the same day and meet with government officials.
Could King Charles resign or abdicate?
There’s no indication that he would do so. However, if Charles were to resign and announce his abdication, the crown would be passed down to the next royal. This would be Prince William, with his wife Kate, Princess of Wales, becoming queen consort.
William and Kate’s eldest child Prince George would move up to first in the line of succession, becoming heir to the throne. He would also likely take on the title Prince of Wales.
King Charles’ wife, Queen Camilla’s role would change, too. She would keep her queen consort title, but her role as queen would be given to Kate. In this scenario, she would likely be involved in fewer official duties and state visits, too.
