Prince Harry and King Charles shared tea at Clarence House on Wednesday, marking their first meeting in 20 months and a possible step toward mending their strained relationship.
The Duke of Sussex last saw his father in February 2024, shortly after Buckingham Palace confirmed that the king, now 76, was undergoing treatment for cancer. Palace officials confirmed Wednesday’s private meeting, which took place before Harry travelled to an Invictus Games event in London.
Asked about his father’s health afterward, Harry, 40, offered a brief but positive reply: “Yes, he’s great, thank you.”
Harry, who relocated to California in 2020 with his wife Meghan and their two children, has often criticised the royal family in interviews, documentaries, and his memoir “Spare.” His sharp remarks about both Charles and Prince William contributed to a breakdown in relations.
Despite past tensions, Harry has recently expressed a desire for reconciliation. Following his unsuccessful legal battle with the British government over his security earlier this year, he told the BBC he hoped to rebuild ties. “Of course some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course they will never forgive me for lots of things. But you know … I would love reconciliation with my family. … There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. And life is precious,” he said.
The secrecy surrounding whether the meeting would occur highlighted the delicacy of the situation. Reports earlier this year suggested Charles’ communications chief and Harry’s media representatives had already met in London to explore reconciliation.
Royal historian Anthony Seldon said the reunion was significant both personally and institutionally. “The king is the king, but he’s also a human being and a loving father,” he noted. “The rift will have caused both of them a lot of anguish. If it can be healed, now or later, that is all to the good.”
Melissa Enoch
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