Prince Harry – Foto: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, issued an official statement strongly denying reports that described his recent meeting with King Charles III as overly formal. The meeting took place on September 10, 2025, at Clarence House in London and lasted about 54 minutes, including a private tea.
Sources close to the duke classified the allegations as categorically false, attributing them to fabrications fueled by external interests. The intent would be to hinder progress in the relationship between father and son, who have lived on different continents since 2020.
This statement comes after nearly two years without face-to-face contact, with the last record dating back to February 2024, shortly after the announcement of the king’s cancer diagnosis.
- Exact duration: 54 minutes, without aides present.
- Location: Clarence House, the monarch’s official residence.
- Purpose: Four-day visit for charity events in Nottingham and London.
Details of the meeting revealed
The duke’s spokesperson clarified specific points about the exchange of gifts during the meeting. A framed photograph was given, but it featured only the duke’s children, Archie and Lilibet, not the couple.
Initial reports had suggested a full family photo, which the duke preferred to keep private to protect privacy. The correction aims to counter distortions that could jeopardize family dialogue.
The meeting marked the first visible step toward easing tensions accumulated since Harry’s departure from royal duties in 2020. He traveled from California specifically to support charitable causes and reconnect with relatives.
History of family tensions
Since stepping back from official duties in 2020, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have settled in the United States, prioritizing independent projects. This decision sparked debates about the monarchy’s role and media exposure of the royal family.
In May 2025, Harry publicly expressed a desire for reconciliation in a BBC interview, stating he no longer wanted conflicts. However, publications like the book Spare and a Netflix documentary intensified scrutiny of internal dynamics.
King Charles, diagnosed with cancer in 2024, has maintained limited contact, but the September meeting signaled a willingness for dialogue. Recent UK surveys show 45% of the population supports reconciliation, according to YouGov data.
The absence of mention of a potential meeting with his brother, Prince William, during the visit underscores ongoing differences. The princes followed separate schedules, with no recorded interactions.
Criticism of the British press
Harry has a history of legal action against media outlets for privacy invasions. In January 2025, the publisher of The Sun agreed to pay substantial damages and apologized for past violations.
The duke argues that sensationalist coverage contributes to the strain in his relationship with the royal family. Reports about the September tea were disputed for lacking prior response from Harry’s office, despite opportunities offered.
Experts note that such legal disputes span over a decade, with victories totaling millions in compensation. This includes cases involving phone hacking and unauthorized publications.
Palace’s stance on the allegations
Buckingham Palace representatives confirmed the private tea took place but chose not to comment on the sabotage accusations. The official silence contrasts with the intensity of Harry’s response, which points to internal sources as responsible.
King Charles, aged 76, focuses on public engagements while managing cancer treatment. Sources close to the monarch describe him as surprised by suggestions of interference from aides, nicknamed “men in gray suits.”
This perception of perplexity in the palace highlights the complexity of royal relationships, where protocol and privacy intertwine. The duke, meanwhile, emphasizes his focus on patronages and support for social causes during his UK stay.
The gift exchange, though clarified, symbolizes gestures of affection limited by geographical and emotional distance.
Visit and parallel commitments
During his four-day stay in the UK, Harry attended charity events, such as receptions in Nottingham and a gala at the Gherkin in London. These engagements reinforced his role in organizations like the Invictus Games.
After the tea with his father, the duke answered journalists’ questions about the king’s health, stating he is doing well. This public interaction avoided personal details, maintaining an optimistic tone.
Harry’s family, including Meghan and their children, remains in California, pursuing media and philanthropy initiatives. The last known contact between the grandchildren and their grandfather was at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.
Clarifications on exchanged gifts
The spokesperson reiterated that details of the meeting should remain confidential, but forced disclosure required precision. The framed photograph given to the king depicted only Archie, aged six, and Lilibet, aged four, highlighting the bond with the grandchildren.
This choice reflects efforts to maintain emotional connections despite barriers. Initial reports distorted the content, fueling narratives of excessive formality.
Harry concluded his statement reaffirming his commitment to family, without projecting future meetings. The focus remains on concrete actions to bridge accumulated divides.
