Fresh details have emerged about Prince Harry’s recent meeting with King Charles, with sources claiming the Duke of Sussex was “left taken by surprise” by the unexpectedly formal tone of the encounter.
The pair met at Clarence House during Harry’s four-day visit to the UK earlier in September, marking their first face-to-face interaction in 19 months.
While the 53-minute conversation has been described as a productive step toward mending fractured ties, insiders hint that the atmosphere was far from intimate.
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A palace source told The Sun the meeting felt “distinctly formal,” more reminiscent of a diplomatic engagement than a reunion between father and son.
Though they reportedly exchanged a kiss on the cheek, Harry is said to have joked afterwards that he felt like an “official visitor” rather than family.
The encounter, sources say, bore the hallmarks of royal protocol typically reserved for dignitaries or guests staying at royal residences, underscoring the emotional distance that still lingers between the two.
In a touching gesture, Harry presented his father with a framed photograph of himself, Meghan, and their children Archie and Lilibet.
Charles, who has not seen his grandchildren since the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, gave Harry a 41st birthday gift in return.
Despite the exchange of gifts, there are no plans for public appearances or any return to royal duties for the Duke, who was reportedly interested in taking on a “part-time” role.
A source from King Charles’ camp has firmly dismissed those claims.
“The King is a forgiving man but has been absolutely clear in upholding his late mother’s decision that there cannot be ‘half-in, half-out’ members of the working royal family,” they told the Daily Mail.
It is understood that Charles is remaining firm on the Sandringham Agreement, which in 2020 shut down Harry’s proposal to return to the royal fold as a part-timer.
However, Charles is reportedly open to more private conversations when Harry next returns to London.
Notably, Harry and Prince William did not see each other during the trip, highlighting the deepening rift between the brothers.
Speculation has since swirled that Harry’s meeting with the King was an attempt to create division between Charles and William.
A spokesperson for the Duke shut down the claims, stating Harry is “not trying to drive a wedge” between them.
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