Prince Charles had ‘very emotional’ meeting with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s children Lilbet and Archie

PRINCE Charles had a “very emotional” meeting with grandchildren Lilibet and Archie when the Sussexes returned to the UK, a royal source says.

The heir and wife Camilla are said to have been “absolutely thrilled” to spend time with Harry, Meghan and their children during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The family kept a low profile during their return and enjoyed a private party at Frogmore Cottage for Lilibet’s first birthday.

Harry, who quit as a senior working royal in 2020, has previously had a troubled relationship with Charles.

In his Oprah interview last year, he said his father had stopped taking his calls at one stage and even cut him off financially.

But a senior royal source, speaking at the briefing of Clarence House’s annual review, said it had been “wonderful” to have the Sussexes back in the country.

“It was fantastic to see them. It was wonderful to have them back in Britain,” the source said.

“The prince and the duchess were absolutely thrilled to see them.

“The prince, of course, hasn’t seen his grandson Archie for a bit of time and so it was very, very, very special to have some time with him.

“He hadn’t met Lili, his granddaughter, and so to meet her was very emotional, a very, very wonderful thing.”

It’s understood Charles had previously told the family they were welcome to stay with him anytime they returned to the UK.

Lili also met her namesake great-grandmother, the Queen, for the first time during the Jubilee.

However, it’s understood Her Majesty turned down Harry and Meghan’s request for a photographer to document the meeting – in case the pictures appeared in the media.

The royal source said of the Sussexes’ financial independence: “Great credit to them.

“They said they wanted to transition to financial independence and that has now been achieved.”

ROYAL REUNION

Harry and Meghan secured multimillion-pound deals with Netflix and Spotify after moving to the US.

It was revealed in May that they’re due to film a Keeping Up With The Kardashians-style docu-series at their mansion in exclusive Montecito, California.

The couple appeared publicly at one Jubilee event – the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s.

During the service, they were seated across the aisle from Charles, Camilla, William and Kate.

They did not join a VIP reception afterwards, instead making a sharp exit and heading back to Windsor.

Charles and Camilla were absolutely thrilled… it was a very, very wonderful thing

The royal source spoke as the Charles’ financial expenditure for the year was revealed.

The Prince of Wales’ bill covering activities for William, Harry and their families – as well as other costs – dropped by £1.2million over two years.

The Sussexes are no longer listed on the accounts.

The amount fell from £5.61m in 2019-20 – when the Sussexes were still working royals – to £4.38m in 2021-22.

Charles is no longer funding the couple.

It has not been detailed what proportion of the drop is related to the Sussexes.

Charles had carried on supporting the duke and duchess with a “substantial sum” until summer 2020 following Megxit, despite Harry claiming his family “literally cut me off financially”.