'Positive' sign over Prince Harry and King Charles meeting that could lead to reconciliation
Prince Harry and King Charles reunited for the first time in over a year this week
Prince Harry and King Charles could be on the brink of burying the hatchet following their meeting this week.
The royal duo have been the subject of much speculation in the past couple of days, especially due to their strained relationship.
Prince Harry, 40, and King Charles, 76, haven’t been on proper speaking terms since 2021, it’s believed.
The breakdown of their relationship was exposed when Prince Harry claimed in his bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey that his father hadn’t been returning his calls.
Since then, rumours have swirled. They were further fuelled by Harry’s fleeting visit to see his father last year following the king’s cancer diagnosis, which he revealed in February 2024.
This week, the two royals enjoyed a private tea at Clarence House. Because of this, many think Harry and Charles are signalling a new era for The Firm.
King Charles and Prince Harry’s meeting in London
Not much is known about Charles and Harry’s reunion. Thus far, all Harry has said was that his father was “great”.
Since the meeting, many royal commentators have been sharing their thoughts.
Woman&home’s Royal Editor, Emma Shacklock has a compelling theory that the hush, hush nature of the meeting could “herald” a good sign between the father and son duo.
“I wasn’t entirely surprised that after not seeing his father face-to-face since last February, they finally met during Prince Harry’s UK visit,” Emma said of Harry and Charles’ meeting at Clarence House. “What I find particularly telling, though, is how private it has remained.”
But, is this low-key aftermath a major hint that Harry and his father are keeping the healing of their bond private?
A glimpse into Harry and Charles’ ‘healing’ relationship
Jack Stooks, former Highgrove gardener who worked for the king for 21 years, has shed light on what really might be going on behind the scenes with the royals.
Speaking on behalf of OLBG, Jack gave us a glimpse into what The Firm could be up to: “Harry had what is known as an audience with the king, which are 45 minutes long. It would have been a general chitchat. The king probably would have asked Harry about Meghan and their family. It would have been a general chitchat.
“Years ago it was reported that Prince William used to test friends and tell them things, to see if they made the press or not. This is how he used to work out if people could be trusted. I do wonder if the king might have done something similar. I’m certain aspects of what’s going on were discussed, so I wonder if the king would have given a few pieces of information to Harry to see if they made the press or not. If they do, the king will know he can’t trust Harry.
‘So far, so good’ as Prince Harry stays tight-lipped
“So far, so good. Harry has kept his mouth very rightly sealed and the king has done the same. The fact that it’s under wraps could lead to another discussion, if they know it can stay private. Then slowly, slowly, things might be able to heal. But the minute anything hits the press about any meetings, that will definitely stop all the hard work that they’re putting on to try and fix things.”
So, are Harry and Charles going to turn over a new leaf?
Former royal staffer Jack thinks so.
He said: “The fact that it remains private is massively positive, it shows that the door can be kept open. I think the king is keen to have that door open, and to allow Harry back into the fold. It’s been a very difficult time for everyone involved, both the royals and Prince Harry’s family in America.”
Prince Harry’s UK visit
Prince Harry had been in the UK for four days. He jetted back to his homeland to celebrate the WellChild Awards on September 8.
That same day he also visited his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II’s final resting place at Windsor. He reportedly laid flowers and a wreath.
It comes after the Duke of Sussex’s last trip to the UK in April. He was seeking to overturn a decision that had downgraded his taxpayer-funded security whilst in the UK.
Harry and Meghan’s security was downgraded when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
But, following his loss of the appeal, he sat down with BBC. It was here that he said of wanting to reconcile with his family, adding: “There’s no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious.”
What did Prince Harry and King Charles talk about?
Unsurprisingly, many royal observers have been musing over what Harry and Charles may have discussed during their meeting.
Charles’ former royal butler Grant Harrold, speaking on behalf of OLBG, shared his theories on what they chatted about.
Grant believes that the pair may have even made an agreement about what they would share following their meeting.
He said: “That’s a big thing for the king. Before any conversation even began, he would have wanted to make sure that their discussion remained private. I think they would have agreed that any future statements about the meeting would be mutually agreed.”
So, what do you think? Do you think Prince Harry and King Charles have made up? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.
