Prince Harry arrived in London on September 8 to attend the WellChild Awards and take part in other charitable commitments.
After 19 months apart, he reunited with King Charles on September 10 at Clarence House, where the pair spent about an hour together. Harry was spotted arriving by car around 5:20 p.m. Both Buckingham Palace and the Duke’s spokesperson later confirmed that father and son shared a private tea.
A Conversation Centered on Privacy and Trust
Reflecting on the meeting, former royal butler Grant Harrold suggested the discussion may have covered matters of privacy, Harry’s charitable work, and his strained relationship with Prince William.
Harrold explained to the Royal Insider, “Before any conversation even began, he [Charles] 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 upon.”
He added, “I imagine it would have been slightly awkward on both sides. There is only so much talking their advisors can do; at the end of the day, it needs to be father and son sitting down to resolve this.”
Given that their last meeting was in February 2024, Harrold believed Charles would have wanted to hear about his son’s latest initiatives. “He [Charles] would have asked about his charity projects, as he knows how passionate Harry is about his work.”
Another subject likely raised was Meghan Markle. Harrold said, “The King will ask questions about how Meghan is and what they’ve been up to… He will also be keen to find out if Harry’s family will return to the UK at any point, as he will be keen to spend time with them.”
The Strained Bond with William
Harrold also suggested that the King may have cautiously brought up Harry’s ongoing rift with Prince William. “I think they’ll discuss other family members, and possibly reflect on their memories with the late Queen. I imagine they will also discuss Harry’s relationship with his brother, as the King will be keen for them to reunite.”
While Charles and Harry appear to be taking steps toward reconciliation, reports indicate that William remains reluctant to welcome his brother back into the royal fold.
Harry Hints at Reunion and Shares Update on Charles
Shortly before their private tea, Harry hinted that he would be meeting his father while chatting with fans outside Imperial College. As he shook hands and posed for selfies, he said, “I have to go, I’m so late… I’ve got to go, I’ve got to go. Nice to meet you guys.”
After the reunion, Harry offered a rare update on the King’s health during a reception for the Invictus Games. When asked by a reporter how his father was doing, he replied simply, “Yes, he’s great, thank you.”