Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have released a series of private family photographs showing them enjoying a summer holiday that included a visit to Princess Diana’s childhood home and final resting place – but the idyllic images were quickly followed by claims of a furious rift between the couple over whether to return to the UK.
The Duchess of Sussex posted the photos on her Instagram account on Thursday, captioned "Summer Holiday". They show Harry playfully throwing five-year-old Princess Lilibet into a swimming pool, running with his children towards waves on a beach, and seven-year-old Prince Archie sitting in a plane cockpit wearing a captain’s hat. In one image, Meghan lies on a sun-lounger gazing at a dog; another captures her browsing a homewares shop, a possible nod to her Netflix lifestyle show, 'With love, Meghan'.
“Harry and Meghan share holiday photos after Diana estate visit as commentator claims Meghan is 'furious' over Harry's UK return desire.”
The pictures were taken during a family trip that reportedly included a private visit to the Althorp estate, the family home of Harry’s late mother, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 when he was 12. The estate was closed to the public from 10 to 11 July, presumably to allow the family privacy. Harry is seen carrying bouquets, leading to suggestions they paid tribute at Diana’s burial site on an island in Oval lake, which is off-limits to the public. Meghan shared a photo of Lilibet walking in sunshine between trees, with Harry and Archie a few paces ahead.
The Sussexes’ UK holiday also saw them reunite with King Charles, who hosted them at Highgrove House – the first time Archie and Lilibet had seen their grandfather in four years. The reunion occurred on the same afternoon Prince William was at a charity polo match, highlighting the ongoing rift between the brothers. No photos of the time with the King and Queen were shared; the family is said to have spent over an hour together.
But the warmth of the images contrasts sharply with claims made by TalkTV personality Kevin O'Sullivan, speaking on Sky News Australia. He alleged that Harry is "desperate" to return to the UK and reconcile with the Royal Family, including his estranged brother Prince William, while Meghan is "furious" and wants an "all-American" lifestyle. O'Sullivan said: "Harry is obsessed with getting that halfway house... He's come to realise his American life is a disaster." He added: "Meghan isn't at all keen on his half-in, half-out plan... She sees their future as an all-American dream, she doesn't want to go back to Britain." O'Sullivan claimed the King might be open to an arrangement allowing the family to travel between countries, but that William, Camilla, Anne and Edward all oppose it.
The comments, though from an external commentator, lay bare the tensions swirling around a family trying to rebuild bridges – even as they share pictures of laughter on the beach.