Prince Harry and King Charles Share First Meeting in 19 Months
After more than a year of speculation, Prince Harry quietly reunited with his father, King Charles III, sparking renewed discussion about the future of the royal family. The private meeting, held without prior announcement, has fueled curiosity: is this merely a brief catch-up, or could it be the first step toward mending a longstanding rift?
The Duke of Suss*x met with King Charles for a private tea at Clarence House on Wednesday, September 10 — their first in-person encounter since February 2024, when Harry returned to the U.K. following the King’s cancer diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the meeting, which reportedly lasted 54 minutes. Harry arrived in a black Range Rover at 5:20 p.m. and departed shortly after 6:00 p.m.
Since stepping back from royal duties and relocating to California in 2020, Harry and Meghan Markle have been open about the challenges of royal life and the need for privacy while raising their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
The couple’s public comments about Meghan’s treatment by members of the royal family have contributed to years of tension and widespread media coverage.
Despite the past friction, Harry appeared at ease during the reunion. Later that evening, he attended an Invictus Games reception at The Gherkin in London. When a reporter inquired about King Charles’s health, he replied with a smile, “Yes, he’s great, thank you.”
The timing of the meeting aligns with Harry’s previously expressed desire for reconciliation. Speaking to the BBC in May, he said, “There’s no point continuing to fight anymore — life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has. It would be nice to reconcile.”
While Harry’s relationship with King Charles shows signs of thawing, the dynamic with his brother, Prince William, remains tense.
On the same day, William focused on royal duties, including the opening of a mental health hub in Cardiff for World Suicide Prevention Day, and is expected to attend the Diana Award event in London later this week.
Conclusion
Although brief, Harry’s tea with King Charles could mark a turning point in the royal family’s public tensions. Whether this leads to a broader reconciliation — particularly with Prince William and Kate Middleton — remains uncertain.
For now, the private meeting offers a glimmer of hope that bridges may yet be rebuilt and trust gradually restored within one of the monarchy’s most scrutinized relationships.