Royals coming to celebrate 250th birthday of USA next July — but will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle be shut out?

The British Royal Family is planning to travel to the United States in July 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are likely to be excluded from the celebrations due to their status as non-working royals. Senior members of the Royal Family, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, King Charles, and Queen Camilla, are set to participate in the historic events commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The visits are part of broader efforts to strengthen UK-US ties, with multiple sources confirming the plans to Page Six. King Charles and Queen Camilla have been invited for a State Visit to Washington, D.C., in April 2026 by President Donald Trump, contingent on the monarch’s health. Charles, who is undergoing weekly cancer treatment, recently celebrated his 77th birthday at an event in New York City where plans for the anniversary were discussed. In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who reside in Montecito, California, are not expected to receive invitations to any official celebrations. A source explained that as non-working royals, any inclusion would need to be initiated by the royal family themselves, which is unlikely given the ongoing tensions. The rift between Harry and his family, particularly his brother William, has deepened over the past few years. Harry’s tell-all autobiography, interviews, and the couple’s reality TV show have reportedly caused significant damage, making reconciliation difficult. Harry expressed a desire to reconcile during a visit with his father in September, but sources indicate trust issues persist. President Trump has previously criticized Harry and Meghan, stating he would ‘leave him alone’ and referring to Meghan as ‘terrible.’ Despite this, Trump has fostered strong relations with the senior royals, as seen during a state visit to the UK in September where he praised King Charles and was charmed by Kate Middleton. The exclusion of Harry and Meghan highlights their diminished role within the royal framework. Their use of titles, such as Meghan being announced as ‘Duchess of Sussex’ in recent profiles, contrasts with their lack of official duties, underscoring the complexities of their post-royal life. The upcoming visits are seen as crucial for diplomatic relations, with King Charles emphasizing the deep connections between the two nations during Trump’s state visit. The events will likely include cultural exchanges and reaffirmations of military and trade alliances. Looking ahead, the royal family’s participation in the 250th anniversary celebrations will be closely watched, with health and diplomatic considerations shaping the final plans. The situation with Harry and Meghan remains a point of public interest, reflecting broader themes of family dynamics and modern monarchy.