Visit occurred during Harry’s trip to the UK for solidarity commitments
Prince Harry met his father, King Charles III, for the first time in almost two years. According to Buckingham Palace, father and son had tea together this Wednesday at Clarence House in London, the monarch’s official residence.
This meeting may represent a first step in the rapprochement between father and son after a publicly disseminated family rupture and marked by a prolonged removal.
Harry, Duke of Sussex, has not seen his father since February 2024, when it was announced that the monarch was receiving treatment for an unspecified cancer.
Harry’s visit to the United Kingdom began on Monday for a series of appointments, on Wednesday morning, visited a research center dedicated to the treatment of explosions injuries.
Since he moved to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020, Harry has been critical of the royal family and the institution, especially through interviews, documentaries and the autobiography “in the shadow”. His statements, especially in relation to his father and older brother, Prince William contributed to an even greater removal.
Nevertheless, after losing a lawsuit with the British government related to his security, Harry expressed his desire to reconcile with his family and stressed the importance of leaving conflicts behind. “Of course some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course they will never forgive me for many other things. But they know … I loved reconciling my family … It makes no sense to continue to fight. And life is precious,” he told the BBC.
“I don’t know how long my father has. He doesn’t talk to me because of this security issue, but it would be good to reconciliate ourselves.”
Wednesday’s meeting was not confirmed in advance, keeping the silence of both Buckingham’s palace and the prince’s representatives. However, it is known that in July the advisors of both met discreetly in London, which was seen as a possible sign of rapprochement.
Historian Anthony Seldon considers that this reconciliation would be beneficial not only for the monarchy, but also personal for Carlos and Harry. “The king is the king, but he is also an affectionate father,” he told Reuters.
“I think this rupture caused a lot of anguish to both. So if this can be healed, at least in part, now or later, then it will be very positive.”
