King Charles includes Harry,, Meghan and their children in central roles for his state funeral

Despite years of royal rifts, emotional TV interviews, and transatlantic tensions, King Charles III is planning for reconciliation — not just in life, but in death.

The King has reportedly ensured that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are placed at the very heart of his meticulously arranged funeral plans.

It is understood the monarch hopes his funeral will offer a final, symbolic opportunity to heal the family’s wounds. Far from sidelining his youngest son, Charles has insisted Harry walk shoulder to shoulder with Prince William, by then King, in the central procession through the streets of London.

In an emotional twist, the plans invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to take part in the family vigil during the lying in state at Westminster Hall, a moment of deep symbolism and unity. Their children, aged six and three, have also been included in the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and the committal at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, should they attend.

The revelations come amid a fragile détente. While Harry has often spoken publicly — and emotionally — about his estrangement, the Palace has largely remained silent. But insiders say King Charles continues to hope for a reconciliation with Harry and a meaningful relationship with his two California-based grandchildren.

Royal insiders say events such as the King’s 80th birthday in 2026 and the next Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027 could serve as softer settings for familial rebuilding before the ultimate public moment — the King’s final farewell.

Though there is no suggestion the King’s death is imminent, preparations for such state occasions are mapped out years — even decades — in advance. Known as Operation London Bridge, the funeral plan is already adapting to reflect Charles’s personal convictions and values.

Sources close to the planning say sustainability will feature heavily, in line with the King’s lifelong environmental advocacy. Additionally, the royal mourning period will be shortened to match the national mourning period, lasting just until the day of the funeral — a departure from Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, where mourning extended a week beyond the service.

While many aspects of the Queen’s state funeral will be echoed — solemn processions, full military honours, and religious services at Westminster and Windsor — some logistics have shifted. The use of the royal train, previously reserved for transporting the monarch’s body, has been scrapped due to public safety concerns. Instead, air travel arrangements have been made from various royal residences to RAF Northolt, mirroring the Queen’s journey in 2022.

This new detail about funeral preparations marks a deeply personal step by Charles to preserve family unity at the end, even if it was elusive during his reign.

The inclusion of Harry and Meghan in such pivotal roles defies speculation that the Sussexes would be permanently cast out of the royal fold. Instead, it underscores the King’s desire to send a powerful final message: that blood matters more than bitterness, and even in death, he hopes to bring the family back together — if only for one last walk.