Even so, Charles’s funeral plans reportedly include the Sussexes not only in the processions but also in the family vigil during the King’s lying in state at Westminster Hall. Meghan is said to be included in the plans as well, standing alongside the most senior royals during the service. Their children, Archie and Lilibet — now six and three years old — are also expected to attend both the main funeral at Westminster Abbey and the private committal service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, should they wish to.

These considerations reflect a deeply personal decision by the monarch, rather than a political one. Despite the media narrative surrounding the Sussexes, sources close to the palace suggest that Charles has always maintained an underlying hope for family unity — at least in symbolic terms.

A funeral shaped by personal values

While much of King Charles’s state funeral is expected to echo the grandeur and solemnity of Queen Elizabeth II’s service, some elements are being shaped by his personal convictions. One notable change reportedly involves his long-standing commitment to environmental causes. From sustainable materials used in construction and transportation, to an emphasis on reducing waste throughout the planning process, the King’s green ethos is said to be embedded in the blueprint.

Another significant shift is the length of mourning. During Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022, the royal family observed a mourning period that extended a full week beyond the funeral. In contrast, Charles reportedly wishes to bring the royal family’s mourning in line with that of the public — roughly 10 or 11 days from the monarch’s death to the day of burial, with no extension afterward.

For now, palace aides are quick to clarify that the King’s funeral plans remain provisional and caution against reading too much into evolving drafts. Yet the very fact that the Sussexes are included so prominently, even amid tensions and legal disputes, suggests that King Charles is thinking beyond headlines.

At 76, Charles continues to carry out royal duties despite ongoing cancer treatment. His schedule remains full, and his public appearances — though less frequent — demonstrate a commitment to reign actively for as long as he is able.

Still, planning for the inevitable is part of royal life. And in those plans, it seems, Charles hopes that even the most fractured branches of his family tree might someday come together in shared remembrance — if not reconciliation.