Prince Harry has opened up about his long-awaited reunion with his father, King Charles III, marking their first in-person conversation in more than a year and a half.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, visited Clarence House, the King’s residence in London, on Wednesday, September 10, where the two shared what palace sources described as “a private tea.” The meeting, which lasted close to an hour, was their first since February 2024, shortly after King Charles publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis.
Later that day, during an appearance at an Invictus Games event, Harry was asked by a reporter how his father was doing. With a smile, he responded briefly: “Yes, he’s great. Thank you.”
Tensions Within the Royal Family
Prince William did not attend the gathering, continuing the estrangement between the brothers and Harry’s wife Meghan Markle.
Harry has previously spoken about his strained ties with his father and brother. In a BBC interview earlier this year, he admitted that communication with the King had broken down, particularly over security disputes. “My father won’t speak to me because of this security stuff … but I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. And life is precious,” he said at the time.
Reflecting on his father’s illness, Harry added in the same interview: “I don’t know how much longer my father has … but it would be nice to reconcile.”
Past Struggles and Public Criticism
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and moving to California with Meghan Markle, Harry has been outspoken about the challenges of royal life. His memoir Spare and multiple television interviews deepened divisions within the monarchy. Earlier this year, he acknowledged: “Of course some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book.”
Honoring the Late Queen Elizabeth II
Before reuniting with his father, Harry visited St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle to pay his respects to Queen Elizabeth II on the third anniversary of her passing. He laid a wreath and flowers at her final resting place, paying tribute to his grandmother.
While the Duke’s comments on King Charles were brief, they offered a glimpse of optimism that reconciliation within the royal family might still be possible. The meeting also came as King Charles, 76, continues treatment for cancer, while Harry balances his responsibilities with the Invictus Games and ongoing family challenges.