Prince Charles ‘sad at not seeing his grandson Archie for more than a year’

Prince Charles has told of his sadness at not seeing grandson Archie for more than a year.

The Queen and other members of the Royal Family are also said to be ‘very sad’ that they have seen so little of the toddler, who is now almost 18 months old.

His parents Harry and Meghan left for North America last November – living first in Vancouver, Canada, and then moving to Los Angeles in March. 

Before stepping back from Royal duties, the couple returned to the UK twice at the start of the year but did not bring Archie with them.

Prince Charles has told of his sadness at not seeing grandson Archie for more than a year

It has now been over 12 months since any of the Windsors has seen him, save for occasional video calls. 

And there is no suggestion that they will see him soon as the Sussexes are reported to be spending Christmas in their £11million nine-bedroom mansion in the exclusive coastal enclave of Montecito.

A Sussex source said: ‘They are now in their own family home, which they haven’t had properly before. It’s theirs, it’s their forever home, where they are going to base themselves. Archie is moving about and is lively and they’re having a great time.’ 

Harry and Meghan were due back in the UK in January, but that now looks unlikely.

Archie’s parents Harry and Meghan left for North America last November – living first in Vancouver, Canada, and then moving to Los Angeles in March

A friend said: ‘The Prince of Wales enjoyed popping into Frogmore Cottage to see his youngest grandchild and is sad that he hasn’t seen him for so long. He has missed much of his development since he is now growing up in the USA. 

‘Other members of the family are very sad at not seeing him. Everyone really misses Archie – they feel it’s particularly sad for the Queen and Prince Philip. 

‘Harry always said he looked forward to raising his family with William’s – which of course is not now happening.’

Charles has seen a lot more of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s children, George, seven, Charlotte, five, and Louis, two, including at Anmer Hall in the summer and in Scotland since then.