EXCLUSIVE: The Royal Family have chosen to enjoy the summer at Balmoral without the Sussexes present. However, there might be a private meeting scheduled with King Charles once everyone else departs.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not been invited to Balmoral to join the rest of the Royal Family this summer, Express.co.uk has learned.

According to a well-placed source, the Sussexes have been left off the official guest list for the Firm’s August summit so that King Charles, 75, and Kate, Princess of Wales, 42, can enjoy family time following a difficult year.

“Harry and Meghan will not be joining the rest of the Royal Family in August,” said the source.

“The King is keen for it to be a happy family occasion which will see members of the Royal Family come together for just over a week to discuss plans for the future and to unwind.

“The Sussexes will not be part of that meeting but may join the King at a later date when the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family have left.”

However, the source adds that despite the rest of the Royal Family opting for a quieter break this summer, King Charles is keen to build a better relationship with his grandchildren, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

“Charles really does want to build a better relationship with Archie and Lili and spend quality time with them,” said the source.

“So it’s possible that the Sussexes might go alone at the end of the summer just before the King returns to London, but it’s highly unlikely given the current tensions,” said the source.