In a significant move towards reconciliation, Prince Harry met with his father, King Charles, at Clarence House in London. This marks their first face-to-face encounter since February 2024. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the King and the Duke of Sussex shared a private tea during a visit that lasted approximately 50 minutes.
King Charles made the journey from Scotland to London on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Prince Harry has been in the UK this week to participate in various charity events. The emotional backdrop of this meeting resonates with the sentiments expressed by Prince Harry in a BBC interview back in May 2025, where he stated, "I would love a reconciliation with my family." This meeting is viewed as a crucial first step in mending the strained relationship between father and son and rebuilding the trust that has been tested over time.
The last time King Charles and Prince Harry were together was shortly after the King's cancer diagnosis last year. During that time, Prince Harry flew to the UK for a brief but poignant meeting. Since then, the Duke of Sussex has made several trips to the UK, primarily for court cases, yet this is the first occasion he has seen his father amidst what has often been described as a challenging relationship.
After the meeting, Prince Harry was driven away to his next engagement. Buckingham Palace, however, opted not to provide any further comments regarding the private meeting. The prince arrived back in the UK on Monday, where he has been actively involved in a series of charity initiatives in both London and Nottingham. Speculation surrounding a potential meeting with his father had been prevalent leading up to his visit.
Prince Harry is scheduled to leave the UK on Thursday to return to the United States, where he will reunite with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, who did not accompany him on this trip. In past interviews, Prince Harry has expressed frustration over the inability to communicate with his father, especially in light of concerns regarding the King's health. "There's no point continuing to fight anymore; life is precious," Harry remarked during his BBC interview, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
The meeting between King Charles and Prince Harry has occurred amid rising speculation regarding attempts to address the deep family divide. Representatives for both Prince Harry and Buckingham Palace were photographed together in July, sparking media headlines about a possible peace summit. However, it is worth noting that there have been no indications of a meeting between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, during this visit, as the two brothers have been engaged in separate commitments.
On Monday, Prince Harry honored the memory of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, by laying a wreath at her grave on the third anniversary of her passing. In contrast, less than ten miles away, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended a Women's Institute meeting dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the late Queen.
This recent meeting between Prince Harry and King Charles represents a pivotal moment in their relationship, with hopes for continued dialogue and healing within the royal family.
